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Egg shortage possible for NI
Ban on battery cages blamed

The Ulster Farmer's Union (UFU) has warned that Northern Ireland may face an egg shortage as a result of the ban on battery cages. UFU Poultry Chairman John McLenaghan has argued that the expense of transitioning from battery cages to 'enriched' cages that place a greater emphasis on the animals' welfare has forced up to 15% of NI's producers out of business, leading to a drop in production. It is possible that prices will rise as a result.

Mr McLenaghan added that he felt supermarkets should be ‘prepared to pay a fair price if they want to maintain their supply base of quality eggs produced to the highest welfare standards in the world'.

A ban on battery cages came into force on January 1st 2012 as a result of European Union Council Directive 1999/74/EC. The larger 'enriched' cages mandated by the Directive give the chickens a greater cage space of 750 cm² per hen (of which 600 cm² should be 45 cm high), a littered area for scratching and pecking, a nest, a claw shortening device, and 15 cm of perch and 12 cm of food trough per hen, thus improving their living conditions, quality of life and general welfare in a meaningful sense. 

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com