Bird Flu and its Impact on Organic and Free-Range Products
As consumers, we’ve become increasingly conscious of where our food comes from. Organic and free-range products are often seen as the gold standard, prioritising animal welfare and sustainability. However, the global spread of bird flu, also known as avian influenza, poses challenges for farmers striving to maintain these high standards.
Here’s what you need to know about bird flu and its implications for RSPCA Assured labelled organic and free-range poultry products.
What is Bird Flu?
Bird flu is a viral infection primarily affecting wild and domesticated birds, though certain strains can occasionally infect humans. The most concerning strain for agriculture is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which spreads rapidly and can devastate poultry flocks.
Like many other countries, the UK has seen periodic outbreaks of bird flu. Strict measures, including housing orders, are often implemented to curb the spread. These require poultry to be kept indoors to protect them from infected wild birds, disrupting their usual access to outdoor spaces.
What Does This Mean for Organic and Free-Range Products?
Organic and free-range farming standards require animals to have regular access to outdoor areas. But during a bird flu outbreak, housing measures override these standards for public health and animal safety.
Here’s how this affects labelling and production:
- Free-range products: UK regulations allow products to retain the free-range label for up to 16 weeks after housing orders begin. After this period, producers must adjust labels to reflect the temporary loss of outdoor access.
- Organic certification: Organic products still meet their rigorous standards, even during outbreaks, as the primary focus is animal welfare, which includes protecting birds from disease.
It is important to recognise that these changes are temporary and are put in place to safeguard the health of poultry flocks, farmers, and consumers.
How Bird Flu Impacts Farmers
For farmers, bird flu is more than a logistical challenge, it’s an emotional and financial burden. Entire flocks may need to be culled to prevent the spread of the virus, resulting in significant losses. These hardships are compounded by the increased cost of housing measures and stricter biosecurity protocols.
Farmers facing these challenges have several resources for support:
- The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI): Financial and emotional support for farming families. Call the free helpline at 0800 188 4444.
- Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RASBI): Assistance tailored to those in Scotland’s agriculture industry. Call 0808 1234 555.
- The Addington Fund: Help with housing and disaster relief for families in England and Wales.
- National Farmers' Union (NFU): A comprehensive list of organisations providing well-being and financial assistance.
How You Can Support Farmers and Make Informed Choices
During bird flu outbreaks, it’s crucial to support farmers who work tirelessly to provide high-quality products while navigating these challenges. Here are a few ways you can help:
- Be understanding: Recognise that temporary housing measures are in place for the health and safety of the animals.
- Choose RSPCA Assured certified products: Whether it’s free-range, organic, or barn-raised, all certified products meet strict high welfare and safety standards.
- Support local farmers: Buying locally helps farmers sustain their livelihoods during difficult times.
Looking Ahead
Bird flu is a complex issue with wide-ranging implications for animal welfare, food production, and farming livelihoods. By staying informed and supportive, we can ensure farmers feel valued while maintaining access to safe, ethical products.
For updates on housing measures and bird flu control efforts in the UK, visit the government’s official page.
Let’s continue to champion sustainable farming practices and show solidarity with the hardworking farmers who make them possible.