Preparedness protects poultry. As Britain’s farmers count the cost of the worst season of avian influenza yet, Livetec Systems – the industry leader for livestock protection and biosecurity - has launched their National Outbreak Plan to help poultry farmers understand how to protect the health and well-being of their flocks.

The NOP is the first step toward more robust farm contingency planning and will help poultry farmers take a more preventative approach to safeguard their flocks and farm workers. As the disease continues to spread at alarming levels amongst commercial, backyard and wild birds, contingency planning has never been more important.

Gordon Samet, Commercial Director at Livetec, said: “This is the worst season of AI the country has ever faced. It’s only through increasing the standards of contingency planning everywhere, while applying more stringent biosecurity measures that seek to prevent AI, that we can be truly vigilant and mitigate the risks of avian influenza or other disease incursion to better protect our poultry workers, livestock and farming communities as well as the UK population.”

The National Outbreak Plan is a comprehensive document, that simplifies the regulations and legislation set by assurance schemes and the UK government. 

As suitable for backyard flocks as it is for commercial producers, the NOP gives vital information for all poultry keepers to help them protect their birds and be prepared in case an outbreak of HPAI impacts them.

Julian Sparrey, Technical Director at Livetec, said: “The plan is filled with up-to-date information, detailing everything farmers need to know to and the steps they should take if a disease outbreak is confirmed in their area. It covers everything from licensing issues, to what to do in restriction zones, such as the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) or a Surveillance Zone (SZ), it is also packed with information on avian influenza including the symptoms of the disease and virus survivability of different strains. Having all the information at hand will save farmers time and allow them to be as robust as possible in their response, taking a firm prevention rather than cure stance.”

The Livetec National Outbreak Plan includes:
●      A how-to guide for disease declaration
 ●      Information reporting when zones are implemented
 ●      Explanation of movement restrictions
 ●      Movement licensing and their conditions of use
 ●      Zone definitions and their requirements
 ●      How to deal with the media
 ●      Farming related support services and mental health planning 
 ●      A guide on how to change or update your CPH number
 ●      Updates of the Governments exotic diseases control and AI policy
 ●      An acronym glossary to quickly define key terms

Julian Sparrey, Technical Director at Livetec, said: “Despite being over 18 months into the largest AI outbreak we have known, many poultry keepers are still unaware or confused about the measure the government take. This booklet explains the response process and disease prevention requirements in simple language, to save you time. It is designed to support you, your birds and your staff. An outbreak of AI on your farm is distressing to everyone and understanding the process and planning for it reduces the impact on you and your birds. The National Outbreak Plan from Livetec is designed to enhance preparedness and understanding of the current landscape and how farmers should operate within it.” 

Livetec’s National Outbreak Plan is available for free* to everyone in the UK for a limited time, including poultry farmers and backyard keepers by using code NOP2023. *RRP £174.95. 
 
To find out more, visit: www.livetecsystems.co.uk