Poultry Health Scheme (PHS) Handbook September 2013

Transcription

1 Poultry Health Scheme (PHS) Handbook September

2 Crown copyright [insert year of publication] You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or This document/publication is also available on our website at: 2

3 Contents, Introduction and Summary... 5 Who is the Poultry Health Scheme (PHS) aimed at?... 5 Which birds are covered?... 6 How to join the Poultry Health Scheme... 6 Data protection... 7 Section A General information Aim of the Scheme Administration Membership Application for Membership Acceptance onto Scheme Annual Inspections Suspensions and Revocations Restoration of Membership Fees List of approved establishments and advertisements Section B General Conditions of the Poultry Health Scheme (PHS) Biosecurity Establishment facilities and operations Testing arrangements Medicines and Vaccinations Vaccinations Compliance with other legislation Export certification by Official Veterinarians Section C Rearing establishments

4 Section D Breeding Establishments Section E Hatcheries Section F Definitions/Glossary Section G - Useful Links and contacts Annex I - Poultry Health Scheme Testing Schedules Testing schedule for Salmonella Pullorum/Gallinarum Testing schedule for Salmonella arizonae Testing schedule for Mycoplasma gallisepticum Testing schedule for Mycoplasma meleagridis

5 Introduction and Summary This handbook contains: Information for flock owners and exporters Information for Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency staff Information for Official Veterinarians and flock veterinarians The Poultry Health Scheme is based on the requirements of the European Council Directive 2009/158/EC (hereafter, the Directive), on animal health conditions governing intra-union trade in, and imports from third countries of, poultry and hatching eggs. The Directive applies to poultry, which is defined as fowl, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, pheasants, partridges and ratites (Ratitae) reared or kept in captivity for breeding, the production of meat or eggs for consumption, or for re-stocking supplies of game. The Directive does not apply to poultry for exhibitions, shows or contests, table eggs or poultry meat. Who is the Poultry Health Scheme (PHS) aimed at? If you keep any of the following types of poultry: fowl; turkeys; guinea fowl; ducks; geese; quails; pigeons; pheasants; partridges or ratites and you wish to either: (a) (b) (c) export more than 20 birds or hatching eggs to another EU Member State sell birds or eggs to other Poultry Health Scheme members; or export to certain third countries that require compliance (in full or partially) with EU Council Directive 2009/158/EC; then you must be approved by the competent authority in an EU Member State as an establishment which complies with the requirements of Council Directive 2009/158/EC. In Great Britain, to achieve this you must be officially approved as a member of the Poultry Health Scheme (PHS). For export to another EU Member State, live poultry and hatching eggs must come from flocks which have been held for more than six weeks in an establishment approved under the Scheme. If you export poultry in lots of under 20 birds to another EU Member State you do not need to be a member of the PHS. However, you still need to comply with certain essential rules of the Directive and consignments must accompanied by the relevant model certificate included in the Directive for this purpose and requiring certification of the compliance with certain essential rules of the Directive. If you intend to export poultry (or their hatching eggs) to the EU or a third country, you should always consult the Specialist Service Centre for Exports - Carlisle in advance for further details as there may be additional requirements, e.g. be on a list of eligible establishments for export to a particular country, and/or export health certification and testing requirements. 5

6 Which birds are covered? Only fowl, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, pheasants, partridges and ratites may be kept on a Poultry Health Scheme premises. Where appropriate the Scheme premises may be defined as a separate part of a larger establishment. However, if a Scheme premises contains several different species of poultry, there must be clear separation between the different species and/or groups if they are not all to be covered by Scheme rules. How to join the Poultry Health Scheme 1. To join the Poultry Health Scheme you must complete the application form which can be obtained from your Regional AHVLA office (AHVLA Contact Page). The application form should be returned to your Regional AHVLA office with a plan of the premises and the registration fee which can be found at Poultry Health Scheme (PHS) Fees. 2. Arrangements will then be made for an inspection of your premises by a Veterinary Officer (VO) from AHVLA. This inspection will establish whether your premises and its management procedures meet the requirements of Directive 2009/158/EC (as amended). (Sections C, D and E of this Handbook outline these requirements). 3. The VO inspecting your premises will discuss with you how the Directive requirements apply to your particular circumstances. After the inspection you will be advised of any changes that you may need to make to your premises, or operational procedures, to comply fully with the requirements. 4. Depending on the species of poultry and other circumstances, e.g. resident birds and origin of the birds, you may need to undertake testing for Salmonella and Mycoplasma before final membership can be confirmed. (See Annex I for details). 5. Systematic records (and detailed Standard Operation Procedures - SOP) must be kept of your operations and must be available for inspection. (Rules under Section C2f and D2g outline these requirements). 6. If the veterinary inspection of your premises and operations is satisfactory and your premises are approved then you will be asked to pay the annual membership fee and veterinary inspection fee. As soon as payment is received your premises will be issued with a membership number and a membership certificate will be sent to you. If the outcome of the inspection is not satisfactory (see also paragraph 3 above), AHVLA will write to you to confirm the reasons for failing to meet the required standards and to provide you with the corrective actions needed before membership can be recommended and to inform you if a further visit may be required for this purpose, depending on the nature of the correction actions to be taken. If a further visit is required it will be charged to the applicant at the standard AHVLA inspection rate. 7. The starting date for your membership will be the date of the satisfactory inspection visit, but note that you will not be eligible for EU intra-union trade until 6 weeks after this date. However, membership of a poultry health scheme is not necessary for the intra-union trade of poultry and hatching eggs consignments comprising fewer than 6

7 twenty units (but specific certifications still apply). Membership to a poultry health scheme under the Directive for a longer period than the EU minimum 6 weeks requirement and the associated negative testing clearances during this period may be applicable to exports to countries outside the EU. 8. From the starting date of your membership birds and hatching eggs may only enter your flock/hatchery from the following sources: (a) (b) (c) (d) from Poultry Health Scheme establishments or from establishments approved under the equivalent Northern Ireland Poultry Health Assurance Scheme (NIPHAS); from similarly approved establishments in other European Member States; or imported from third countries in accordance with Directive 2009/158/EC and Commission Regulation (EC) No 798/2008 In the case of a hatchery which has been approved for less than 6 weeks, day-old birds may only be moved to establishments in the UK. Eggs and dayold birds must only be exported to another EU Member State if the 6 weeks approval period for the hatchery and the flock(s) of origin has elapsed at the time of dispatch for export. 9. If you have a special requirement to introduce stock from non-phs sources, in order to enrich your genetic base, you must contact your Regional AHVLA office to discuss the necessary procedures, which may involve quarantine and testing (at officially approved laboratories for the purpose of the PHS or similarly approved laboratories under the Directive) of the introduced birds and/or temporary suspension of your membership until the Scheme requirements are fulfilled. 10. A veterinary inspection, either by an AHVLA Veterinary Officer (VO) or an Official Veterinarian (OV), will be required every year which is subject to charging 11. You will be also asked to pay an annual membership fee which will vary according to whichever inspection option you choose i.e. AHVLA VO or OV. 12. Membership of the Scheme will last for one year (365 days). 13. Membership may be suspended or revoked if any of the membership rules are contravened, or if Avian Influenza, Newcastle disease, salmonellas or mycoplasmas covered by the Scheme, are suspected and/or confirmed on your premises (see Section A, Rules 7 to 8). Data protection Defra, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Food Standards Agency are data controllers in common in respect of relevant personal data processed by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA). For the purposes and usage of the data and the data sharing arrangements, please see the full Data Protection Statement on the AHVLA website. A hard copy of this information can be provided if required; please contact your local AHVLA Office/Laboratory. AHVLA will not permit any unwarranted breach of confidentiality or act in contravention of their obligations under the Data Protection Act

8 Section A General information 1. Aim of the Scheme To implement a system for the approval of establishments in Great Britain officially recognised as meeting the requirements of Council Directive 2009/158/EC (as amended) on animal health conditions governing intra-community trade in, and imports from third countries of, live poultry and hatching eggs. 2. Administration The Poultry Health Scheme (PHS) is operated by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), an executive agency of Defra. 3. Membership (1) Membership of the Scheme is open to individuals or companies in Great Britain, operating at specified premises. A member operating with separate premises at more than one location will be required to register each individual premises separately. (2) The categories of membership of the Poultry Health Scheme are: (i) (ii) (iii) Flock; Hatchery; and Combined Flock and Hatchery. (3) Membership of the Scheme must be approved by AHVLA. A member may withdraw from the Scheme at any time (notice in writing will be required), but will not be entitled to a refund of any part of the registration or membership fees. (4) Re-admission to the Scheme will be at AHVLA s discretion. A further registration fee will be payable. (5) When a member s premises is sold, or otherwise transferred, the new occupant must apply for membership in the usual way. Such sales or transfers must not be made on the assumption that the premises will automatically continue to qualify for membership of the Scheme. 4. Application for Membership The application form should be returned to your Regional AHVLA office with the registration fee. AHVLA will process your application and ensure that a VO inspection is arranged as soon as possible. 5. Acceptance onto Scheme (1) Once a satisfactory Veterinary Officer (VO) inspection report has been received by AHVLA and the appropriate membership fee has been paid an individual registration number will be allocated. This number will mirror your County/Parish/Holding (CPH) number. If you do not already have a CPH number for the site where your poultry are kept you should contact the Rural 8

9 Payments Agency (RPA) on to obtain one. A membership certificate including this number will be issued to the member. (2) After the initial approval a chargeable veterinary inspection by a VO or an Official Veterinarian (OV) will be required every year. You will also be asked to pay an annual membership fee. 6. Annual Inspections (1) To have your membership renewed you will have to send a renewal application form along with the annual membership fee to AHVLA before the validity of your membership certificate lapses. AHVLA will send you a letter with a reminder one month before your renewal is due. (2) Upon receipt of your application with the membership fee, AHVLA will issue a new membership certificate valid for a further 365 days from your renewal due date. (3) A satisfactory veterinary inspection must take place once a year on or before the anniversary of the previous inspection. AHVLA will write to you to advise you if the inspection is overdue. If no inspection report is forthcoming then your membership will be suspended and ultimately revoked if there is a further delay in AHVLA receiving your inspection report. (4) Members may elect to have their annual inspections made by either an AHVLA Veterinary Officer (VO) or by an Official Veterinarian (OV) nominated by the member. You should declare your preferred option in the renewal application form. (5) If the member opts for a VO inspection this will be chargeable by AHVLA. (6) If the member opts for an OV inspection the nominated veterinary surgeon must be an OV on the panel for export/import of poultry, and to avoid any conflict of interest, he/she must not be employed whole time by the member. (7) Your Regional AHVLA office can supply a list of such OVs if required. If the member chooses the OV option, it is the member s own responsibility to arrange for the OV to make the annual inspection. The OV of your choice should send the completed inspection report to AHVLA. (8) The fees of the OV for the inspection are a matter for private arrangement between the OV and the member, and they will be in addition to Scheme membership fees. (9) Where members have opted for inspections to be done by an OV and an unsatisfactory report is received, your membership may be suspended or revoked as necessary. If membership is revoked, a visit by a VO will be required before membership is re-established and you will be asked to pay for a registration fee again. 9

10 If membership is suspended and provided the reason for the suspension has been resolved then a visit by a VO may be required before suspension is lifted. Such visits will be chargeable by AHVLA. 7. Suspensions and Revocations (1) Membership will be suspended: (a) If the conditions laid down in Chapter II to Directive 2009/158/EC are no longer met (as outlined in Sections C, D and E); (b) Pending the completion of disease investigation if: OR (i) avian influenza or Newcastle disease is suspected on the premises; (ii) poultry or hatching eggs have been received from establishments with a suspected or confirmed case of avian influenza or Newcastle disease; (iii) contact liable to transmit disease has occurred with establishments where avian influenza or Newcastle disease has been confirmed; (c) subject to the relevance for the particular poultry species, while further tests are performed if the results of surveillance at establishment indicate suspicion of infection with Salmonella Pullorum, Gallinarum or pathogenic arizonae of turkeys, or Mycoplasma gallisepticum or M. meleagridis; OR (d) until completion of measures required by a notice served by a VO or OV if the appropriate disease surveillance (if required) is not carried out at the establishment and/or the establishment does not satisfy the requirements of Directive 2009/158/EC, outlined in Section B or C; OR (e) if AHVLA has not received a renewal application form together with the membership fees and your membership has lapsed beyond the 365 day period; OR (f) if fees are not paid to AHVLA OR (g) if a satisfactory veterinary inspection has not been completed within the previous 12 months. (2) Membership will be revoked: (a) if avian influenza or Newcastle disease is confirmed on the premises; 10

11 (b) if, subject to the relevance for the particular poultry species, the presence of Salmonella Pullorum, Gallinarum, pathogenic turkey arizonae strains, Mycoplasma gallisepticum or M. meleagridis is confirmed on the premises; (c) if, after a VO or OV has served a second notice, requiring to implement the appropriate disease surveillance (if required) at the establishment and/or to bring the establishment in line with the requirements of Directive 2009/158/EC, outlined in Section C, D or E action has not been taken; (d) if membership has lapsed beyond the 365 day period and AHVLA has not received a renewal application together with the membership fee 30 days after the date when renewal is due. (e) if fees are not paid to AHVLA OR (f) If a satisfactory veterinary inspection has not been completed within the previous 12 months. 8. Restoration of Membership If approval has been suspended or revoked: (1) because of an occurrence of avian influenza or Newcastle disease: membership may be restored 21 days after cleansing and disinfection if sanitary slaughter has been carried out. (2) because of infection caused by Salmonella Pullorum, Gallinarum or pathogenic arizonae strains of turkeys, it may be restored either: (a) after negative results have been recorded in two tests performed with an interval of at least 21 days on the establishment following sanitary slaughter of the infected flock and after disinfection for which the effectiveness has been verified by suitable tests on dried surfaces. (b) the AHVLA Regional Veterinary manager will advise on the numbers and type of samples required and may instruct AHVLA staff to carry out the testing to verify the effectiveness of disinfection. (3) subject to the relevance for the particular poultry species, because of the presence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum or Mycoplasma meleagridis, it may be restored either: (a) negative results have been recorded in two tests performed on the entire flock with an interval of at least 60 days. The VO will advise on the number and type of samples to be taken; or (b) after negative results have been recorded in two tests performed with an interval of at least 21 days on the establishment after disinfection following sanitary slaughter of the entire infected flock. Verification of the effectiveness of disinfection is not required for mycoplasmas. (4) because of non-compliance with the rules of Directive 2009/158/EC, subject to notices served by a VO or OV, it may be restored again when AHVLA agrees that all the requirements of Directive 2009/158/EC are being complied with. 11

12 (5) because membership has lapsed beyond the 365 day period and a satisfactory annual visit has not been completed, membership may be restored at the discretion of AHVLA. A satisfactory inspection must be completed and a further registration fee will be payable. 9. Fees (1) The current fees are available on the AHVLA website fees page at the following link. The Poultry Health Scheme Fees will be reviewed annually. Poultry Health Scheme (PHS) Fees (2) The registration fee is payable in advance by new members when they apply to join the Scheme. (3) The membership fee is payable on acceptance into the Scheme and then annually prior to expiry of the membership certificate. Only one reminder will be issued, 4-6 weeks before the renewal fee is due. (4) A separate Inspection fee will be charged for any re-inspections carried out by an AHVLA VO in connection with follow-up visits to ascertain that any noncompliances regarding premises, operational standards or disease status have been rectified or resolved or for the purpose of lifting a suspension or a reapproval visit. (5) Any member who fails to pay any fee due to AHVLA under the Scheme may have membership of the Scheme suspended or revoked in relation to the premises in respect of which the fee is due. The member will be informed in writing and given an opportunity to make representations. 10. List of approved establishments and advertisements (1) The Directive requires Member States to make publicly available the list of establishments approved in accordance with the Directive. The list of Poultry Health Scheme approved establishments is available at the following link: Poultry Health Scheme Membership List (2) A member may draw attention to his membership of the PHS by advertising, provided that all such advertisements correctly describe his status in the PHS. AHVLA reserves the right to require the withdrawal of any advertising material which it considers to be inaccurate; 12

13 Section B General Conditions of the Poultry Health Scheme (PHS) Biosecurity 1. What is biosecurity? Biosecurity is the prevention of disease causing agents entering or leaving any place where they can pose a risk to farm animals, other animals, humans, or the safety and quality of a food product. The same principles apply within the farm, preventing disease spreading between animals and groups. A high level of protection against disease must be maintained at all times in PHS approved establishments, through employment of biosecurity measures. Biosecurity in the Poultry Industry (1) General Points (a) The presence of any large groups of poultry, in intensive conditions, provides a large pool of susceptible birds. It is critical that diligence is exercised when such a unit is present on a farm, especially when the unit is part of a wider mixed farming operation. Poultry are susceptible to several important infections that can be transferred to humans. These include Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. (b) Codes of Practice (as well as AHVLA) provide specific advice which covers the importance of: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Careful cleansing and disinfection of units before stocking and re-stocking; Separation of the unit from other farm activity; Rigorous hygiene measures when entering and leaving the unit (e.g. separate clothing and footwear); The need to ensure that all inputs such as feed, water and bedding are safe. (2) Codes of Practice and assurance Schemes in the Poultry Industry (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) The EU hygiene guides for eggs and chicken meat production European Union of wholesale with Eggs, Egg Products, Poultry and Game (EUWEP) Biosecurity Measures for Poultry Farmers Code of Practice for the control of Salmonella in Commercial Eggs Laying Flocks Code of Practice for the prevention of salmonella in chickens reared for meat on farm Lion Code of Practice Also, find more information on general biosecurity and good hygiene advice. 13

14 2. Establishment facilities and operations Members must ensure that their establishment complies with the requirements of the Directive at all times. (These are outlined in Section C, D and/or E). 3. Testing arrangements Depending on the type of poultry being kept on the establishment, their origin, and whether they are present on site at the time of the initial examination, routine testing for certain salmonellas and mycoplasmas may be required. All test regimes are subject to regular review. You will be notified in writing of any changes. The current testing requirements are laid out in the schedules at Annex I of this handbook. A brief summary is included in the following table: Salmonella Mycoplasma S. Pullorum S.Gallinarum S. arizonae M. gallisepticum M. meleagridis Turkeys Required Required Required Required Required Fowl Required Required Required Ducks Required Required Pheasants Guinea fowl Partridges Quail Required Required Geese Pigeons Ratites NB In housed birds a 'flock' consists of all birds sharing the same airspace. In extensive flocks, the Regional Veterinary Manager will advise on what constitutes a 'flock' if different huts, pens, fields or species are involved. All testing required for membership of the Scheme must be carried out at laboratories officially approved (specific pathogens and tests apply) for the purpose of the. Links to officially approved laboratories are provided at the Links section of this handbook. Approved PHS Laboratories The member must pay the cost of all sampling and testing associated with the Scheme. In special circumstances, AHVLA will advise on any particular need for your flock or the environment of your establishment to undergo additional testing, e.g. when resident birds are present on the premises before approval and following confirmation of any of the diseases covered by the Scheme. 14

15 Approval of premises with resident flocks at the time of application Normally, when an establishment applies to join, it is inspected by a VO whilst the establishment is free of stock. After approval of the establishment, stock is introduced from flocks already approved under the Directive. In such cases it is not necessary to test the introduced birds as a condition for approval of membership. However, new applicants may have laying breeding flocks already in residence at the time of the VO inspection. These birds must tested for the pathogens relevant to the species (unless routine testing not necessary) before membership can be confirmed. Newly approved flocks may not export until they have been members of the PHS for at least 6 weeks. This period is calculated from the date on which a VO inspection visit took place with a satisfactory result. During the 6 week introductory period resident flocks must be tested twice for the relevant pathogens, as applicable. The interval between tests must be between 14 and 42 days within the interim 6 week period. Sampling and testing must be done under the rules of the PHS. For mycoplasma, testing by bacteriology is allowed but not recommended in this case, as it is impractical because negative results can be confirmed only after at least 21 days of culture. Dispatch of eggs to PHS approved hatcheries during this period is allowed. However, eggs and day-old birds must only be exported to another EU Member State if the 6 weeks approval period for the hatchery and the flock(s) of origin has elapsed at the time of dispatch for export. 4. Medicines and Vaccinations The Veterinary Medicine Regulations 2011 require the following to be kept by farmers: i. The owner or keeper of food-producing animals must keep the documentation relating to the acquisition of all veterinary medicinal products acquired for those animals for five years. ii. When a veterinary medicinal product is bought or otherwise acquired for a foodproducing animal the keeper must, at the time, record: the name of the product and the batch number the date of acquisition the quantity acquired the name and address of the supplier. iii. At the time of administration the keeper must record: the name of the product the date of administration the quantity administered the withdrawal period the identity of the animal(s) treated, e.g. flock code/id. 15

16 iv. If a veterinary surgeon administers a veterinary medicinal product they must record the above information relating to administration, the batch number and their name in the keeper s records, or provide this information to the keeper in writing and the keeper must then enter it in their records. v. If the keeper disposes of a veterinary medicine other than by treating an animal, they must record: the date of disposal the quantity of product involved how and where they disposed of it. The medicine records described above must be kept for five years. These records can be kept either on paper or as a computerised record. There is no specific format required. If kept on a computer the keeper must supply a printed copy if requested by an inspector. 5. Vaccinations Any vaccines used in the flock of origin must have a marketing authorisation issued by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) of Defra or equivalent licensing body in another EU member State. The use of vaccines imported under a VMD issued Special Import Certificate (SIC) or, of autogenous vaccines manufactured and used with the approval of VMD, can be considered to have the equivalent of a marketing authorisation in the UK. Records must be maintained of all medicine usage, including vaccines, and must be available for inspection. Vaccination for Salmonella serotypes (a) Salmonella vaccination programmes must not interfere with serological detection in the context of field investigation, or result in false-positive tests; (b) Live Salmonella vaccines must not be used in the framework of national control programmes: (i) In breeding or productive poultry during their reproductive or laying stage unless the safety of their use has been demonstrated and they are authorised for such purpose (ii) Where the manufacturer does not provide an appropriate method to distinguish bacteriologically wild- type strains of Salmonella from vaccine strains. Further information on veterinary medicines can be found at the Veterinary Medicines Directorate page. 6. Compliance with other legislation Membership the PHS does not exempt a member from any requirements to comply with other European Directives/Regulations or with other UK legislation governing the production and marketing of poultry and poultry products. 7. Export certification by Official Veterinarians (1) Any information shared with a members private veterinarian must be treated as Commercial-in-Confidence by all parties involved; 16

17 (2) Private certification of poultry export consignments may only be carried out by an OV approved and appointed by AHVLA for export poultry work; (3) Members must make their own arrangements for all laboratory samples and tests required under the PHS, and for veterinary inspections, tests etc. required for trade; (4) The costs of laboratory tests, export health checks, certification requirements etc. are a matter for the PHS member; (5) Export certification usually requires a health examination of the birds for export and/or flocks of origin by an OV within a particular timeframe prior to export. In some cases this requirement for the flocks may be waived (assessment of production records and health status of the flock still needed) provided the establishment is subject to routine monthly health inspections by an OV. It is at the member s discretion to arrange and pay for these routine inspections. Appropriate records of such inspections should be held at the establishment. (6) PHS membership includes an authorisation under the Data Protection Act for release of information to all those affected by the establishment s health status. 17

18 Section C Rearing establishments 1. Facilities a) The setting and layout of the facilities must be compatible with the type of production followed, ensuring that the introduction of disease can be prevented and, if it is introduced, enabling it to be controlled. If an establishment houses several species of poultry there must be a clear separation between them. b) The facilities must provide good hygiene conditions and allow health monitoring to be carried out. c) The equipment must be compatible with the type of production pursued, and allow cleansing and disinfection of the facilities and of vehicles used for transporting poultry and eggs at the most suitable point. 2. Operations (a) (b) Measures to protect against the introduction of disease must be used and rearing techniques must be based as far as possible on high biosecurity principles and procedures including, where feasible, the all-in/all-out principle. Cleansing and disinfection must be carried out on that part of the establishment following depopulation. The premises must contain only poultry and hatching eggs: (i) From PHS establishments; (ii) From establishments in European Member States similarly approved in accordance with Directive 2009/158/EC; (iii) Imported from third countries in accordance with Directive 2009/158/EC. (c) (d) (e) (f) Hygiene rules must be defined in writing by the management and agreed by the inspecting AHVLA VO or OV. All personnel and visitors must wear appropriate protective clothing. Buildings, pens and equipment must be kept in good repair. The owner or agent must notify the OV of any variation in hatchability or any other sign suggesting the presence of Newcastle disease, avian influenza, the specified Salmonella or Mycoplasma species. Any person suspecting the presence of disease must notify AHVLA immediately so a veterinary enquiry can be made by a VO. If necessary samples for diagnosis must be submitted without delay to the appropriate AHVLA laboratory. The following flock records must be kept after the disposal of the flock for: 18

19 (1) at least two years:- (i) movement of stock onto and off the premises; (ii) production performance; (iii) morbidity and mortality with causes; (iv) any laboratory tests with results (iv) place of origin of the poultry (v) visitors and deliveries; (vi) details of chemical usage (2) at least three years:- (i) records of medicine/vaccine administration it is a legislative requirement that medicine records are kept for 3 years. (3) at least 5 years:- (i) In the case of medicines with withdrawal periods, (g) Where any disease covered by the Scheme occurs, the results of laboratory tests must be communicated immediately to the relevant local AHVLA office. 19

20 Section D Breeding Establishments 1. Facilities (a) (b) (c) The setting and layout of the facilities must be compatible with the type of production followed, ensuring that reasonable precautionary measures to mitigate the risk of introduction of disease have been taken and, if it is introduced, enabling it to be controlled. If an establishment houses several species of poultry there must be a clear separation between them. The facilities must provide good hygiene conditions and allow health monitoring to be carried out. The equipment must be compatible with the type of production pursued, and allow cleansing and disinfection of the facilities and of vehicles used for transporting poultry and eggs at the most suitable point. 2. Operations (a) (b) Measures to protect against the introduction of disease must be used and an all-in/all-out policy should be followed wherever possible. Cleansing and disinfection must be carried out on that part of the establishment following depopulation. The premises must contain only poultry and hatching eggs: (i) From PHS establishments; (ii) From establishments in European Member States similarly approved in accordance with Directive 2009/158/EC; (iii) Imported from third countries in accordance with Directive 2009/158/EC. (c) Hygiene rules must be defined in writing by the management and agreed by the inspecting AHVLA VO or OV. All personnel and visitors must wear appropriate protective clothing. (d) (e) (f) Buildings, pens and equipment must be kept in good repair. Eggs must be collected at frequent intervals, at least daily and as soon as possible after laying and must be clean and be disinfected as soon as possible, unless disinfection takes place at a hatchery in the same Member State. The owner or agent must notify the OV of any variation in hatchability or any other sign suggesting the presence of Newcastle disease, avian influenza, the specified Salmonella or Mycoplasma species. Any person suspecting the presence of disease must notify AHVLA immediately so a veterinary enquiry can be made by a VO. If necessary samples for diagnosis must be submitted without delay to the appropriate AHVLA laboratory. 20

21 (g) The following flock records must be kept after the disposal of the flock for: (1) at least two years:- (i) movement of stock onto and off the premises; (ii) production performance; (iii) morbidity and mortality with causes; (iv) any laboratory tests with results (iv) place of origin of the poultry (v) visitors and deliveries; (vi) details of chemical usage (2) at least three years:- (i) records of medicine/vaccine administration it is a legislative requirement that medicine records are kept for 3 years. (3) at least 5 years:- (i) In the case of medicines with withdrawal periods (h) Where any disease covered by the Scheme occurs, the results of laboratory tests must be communicated immediately to the relevant local AHVLA office. 21

22 Section E Hatcheries 1. Facilities (a) The hatchery must be physically and operationally separate from rearing facilities. The layout must allow the following operations to be kept separate; (i) egg storage and grading; (ii) disinfection; (iii) incubation; (iv) hatching; (v) preparation and packaging of chicks/goods for despatch. (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Buildings must be protected against wild birds and rodents. Walls and floors must be of hard-wearing, impervious and washable materials. Any natural or artificial lighting, air flow and temperature systems must be appropriate to the operation carried out. Provision must be made for the hygienic disposal of hatchery waste. Equipment must have smooth and waterproof surfaces. 2. Operation (a) (b) Hatcheries must operate on a one-way circuit for eggs, mobile equipment and personnel. Hatching eggs must only be derived: (i) from PHS establishments; (ii) from establishments in European Member States similarly approved in accordance with Directive 2009/158/EC; or (iv) imported from Third Countries in accordance with Directive 2009/158/EC. (c) (d) (e) Hygiene rules must be defined in writing by the management and agreed by the inspecting OV/VO. All personnel and visitors must wear appropriate protective clothing. Buildings and equipment must be kept in good repair. The following must be disinfected: (i) eggs between the time of their arrival at the hatchery and the incubation process or at the time of their dispatch for trade within the 22

23 Union or export to a third country, unless they have been previously disinfected at the breeding establishment of origin; (ii) incubators regularly; (iii) hatchers and equipment after each batch;(iv) chick boxes, containers and delivery vehicles after each delivery/collection (f) (g) (h) A microbiological quality control programme must be laid down in writing and agreed with the inspecting OV/VO. The owner or agent must notify the OV of any variation in hatchability or any other sign suggesting the presence of Newcastle disease, avian influenza, the specified Salmonella or Mycoplasma species. Any person suspecting the presence of disease must notify AHVLA immediately so a veterinary enquiry can be made by a VO. If necessary samples for diagnosis must be submitted without delay to the appropriate AHVLA laboratory. Records must be kept, by flock if possible, for: (1) two years, and show: (i) origin of eggs and date of arrival; (ii) hatchability; (iii) any abnormalities; (iv) any laboratory tests with results; (v) vaccination details; (vi) numbers and destinations of eggs not incubated/disposed off; (vii) destinations of day-old chicks; (viii) visitors and deliveries. (2) three years, and show:- (i) Records of medicine/vaccine administration it is a legislative requirement that medicine records are kept for 3 years. (3) five years:- (i) In the case of medicines with withdrawal periods (i) Where any disease covered by the Scheme occurs, the results of laboratory tests must be communicated immediately to the relevant local AHVLA office. 23

24 Section F Definitions/Glossary Definitions/Glossary of terms For the purpose of the Scheme AHVLA CITES Breeding establishment Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency means the executive agency of Defra providing delivery of field services means the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (a) pedigree breeding establishment: an establishment which produces hatching eggs for the production of breeding poultry: (b) breeding establishment: an establishment which produces hatching eggs for the production of productive poultry Department Establishment means in England, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra); in Scotland, the Scottish Government and in Wales, the Welsh Government means a facility or part of a facility which occupies a single site and is devoted to one or more of the following activities: (a) pedigree breeding establishment (b) breeding establishment (c) rearing establishment (d) hatchery Flock Fowl Hatchery NIPHAS OV Poultry means all poultry of the same health status kept on the same establishment or in the same enclosure and constituting a single epidemiological unit. In housed poultry this will include all birds sharing the same airspace. Birds of the species Gallus gallus means an establishment which incubates and hatches eggs and supplies day-old chick means Northern Ireland Poultry Health Assurance Scheme means an Official Veterinarian, a private veterinary surgeon to whom the Department has delegated authority to inspect Scheme premises and to carry out export health certification. means domestic fowl, turkeys, guinea fowl, 24

25 PHS Ratites Rearing establishment ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, pheasants, partridges and ratites reared or kept in captivity for breeding or the production of meat or eggs for consumption or for restocking supplies of game. means Poultry Health Scheme. includes ostriches, emus, rheas, cassowaries, kiwis and tinamous. (a) either a breeding poultry establishment rearing breeding poultry prior to the reproductive stage; or (b) a productive poultry rearing establishment rearing egg-laying productive poultry prior to the laying stage Registration fee Membership fee RVL Sanitary slaughter Scheme VO A fee payable to AHVLA when first joining the PHS or when rejoining after membership has been revoked The fee payable for annual membership to the PHS Regional Veterinary Lead (AHVLA) means the destruction, subject to all the necessary health safeguards including disinfection, of all poultry and products at the outbreak site which are infected or suspected of being contaminated. means Poultry Health Scheme. means Veterinary Officer of Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency 25

26 Section G - Useful Links and contacts List of AHVLA offices EU Directive 2009/158/ EC ( Poultry directive ) List of AHVLA Offices Council Directive 2009/158/EC Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) CITES Compartments PHS Laboratories Compartments Approved PHS Laboratories National Control Plan for the control of Salmonella in Poultry (NCP) laboratories Salmonella National Control Plan (NCP) Laboratories Approved labs in Scotland And further information on approved labs in Scotland Northern Ireland Poultry Health Assurance Scheme (NIPHAS) NIPHAS British Veterinary Poultry Association British Veterinary Poultry Association British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) British Poultry Council British Poultry Council (BPC) 26

27 (BPC) Specialist Service Centre Carlisle, International Trade Specialist Service Centre for Exports - Carlisle (Contact) TRACES Support Documents - Poultry TRACES Support Documents - Poultry World Health Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) OIE Veterinary Medicine Directorate (VMD) Veterinary Medicines Directorate Veterinary Medicine Regulations Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2011 List of Defra Approved Disinfectants Disinfectant approved for use in England, Scotland and Wales UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) UKAS 27

28 Annex I - Poultry Health Scheme Testing Schedules Testing schedule for Salmonella Pullorum/Gallinarum Section 1 - Routine monitoring Relevant species: fowl, turkeys, ducks, guinea fowl, partridges, pheasant, quails. Frequency/timing: each flock must be tested at least once a year during the production period the initial test being at or near the point of lay. All samples must be tested in a laboratory officially approved by Defra for S. Pullorum/Gallinarum testing for the purposes of the Poultry Health Scheme (PHS). Samples: either for bacteriology or serology testing. Section 2 - Samples for testing (both for routine monitoring and following suspicion of disease) 1. Samples for serology For each flock in production: Blood samples taken at or near point of lay taken at the rate shown in the sampling table below at Section 3. For flocks awaiting membership of the scheme for provisional membership until suitable hatchery samples as below are available: Blood samples taken four weeks before point of lay taken at the rate shown in the sampling table below. 2. Samples for bacteriology For each flock in production: All dead-in-shells or culled chicks (all available up to a maximum of 60); or Meconium from 250 chicks; or 10 hatch tray liners, providing a sample surface area of 1m 2 ; For flocks awaiting membership of the scheme for provisional membership until suitable hatchery samples as above are available, the following sampling is required: Cull chicks following placement on farm (all available up to a maximum of 60) and/or Faecal pick samples taken 4 weeks before any movement of birds/eggs off the premises (see sampling table below for the number of faeces picks required) (both sample types should be submitted where possible). 28

29 Section 3 - Sample numbers: Statistical sampling The Directive defines a flock as meaning all poultry of the same health status kept on the same premises or in the same enclosure and constituting a single epidemiological unit. In housed poultry this will include all birds sharing the same airspace. Flock size Number of samples required to provide 95% confidence of detecting 5% withinflock prevalence 1-20 All birds Section 4 - Test types available Test type Additional information Serology (monitoring only) Bacteriology (monitoring and confirmation) Rapid Serum Agglutination Test Tube Agglutination Test Other tests as developed e.g. ELISA, following validation as fit for purpose Culture using the Selenite broth test suitable for all samples RVS broth test suitable for non-faecally contaminated samples (for example dead-in shells and cull chicks). MSRV-based (as used for the National Control Plan (NCP)) tests are not suitable. Molecular tests Other tests as developed e.g. PCR, following validation as fit for purpose 29

30 Testing schedule for Salmonella arizonae Section 1 - Routine monitoring Relevant species: turkeys only. Frequency/timing: Each flock must be tested at least once a year during the production period the initial testing being at or near the point of lay. All samples must be tested in a laboratory officially approved by Defra for S. arizonae testing for the purpose of the Poultry Health Scheme (PHS). Samples: bacteriology only. There are no suitable serological tests. Section 2 - Samples for testing (both for routine monitoring and following suspicion of disease) Samples for bacteriology For each flock in production: All available dead-in-shells or culled chicks ( up to a maximum of 60); or Meconium from 250 chicks; or 10 hatch tray liners, providing a sample surface area of 1m 2 ; or Boot Swab samples taken as per turkey National Control Plan (NCP) instructions (the NCP samples and tests can be used provided the laboratory carrying out the test is also approved for the purpose of the PHS for S. arizonae). Section 3 - Test types available Test type Additional information Serology Bacteriology No test available Culture MSRV-based (as used for NCP) test is suitable for arizonae, Rappaports or Selenite methods can also be used. Molecular tests Acceptability to be determined no suitable validated test currently. 30

31 Testing schedule for Mycoplasma gallisepticum Section 1 - Routine monitoring Relevant species: fowl, turkeys Frequency/timing: starting in the 4 weeks before point of lay and then every 12 weeks thereafter during lay. Samples: either bacteriology and/or serology and/or molecular testing All samples must be tested in a laboratory officially approved by Defra for M. gallisepticum testing for the purposes of the Poultry Health Scheme (PHS). Statistical sampling of each flock, as per table in Section 3. Birds should be sampled at random from each part of the flock. Surveillance for clinical signs and lesions of mycoplasma infection must be ongoing. Section 2 - Samples for testing (both for routine monitoring and following suspicion of disease) As appropriate Serum Day old bird air sac swabs from culls Tracheal, choanal, or air sacs swabs On suspicion of infection, samples should be taken to confirm disease as follows:- o from flocks, samples as above according to section 3 o from day old chicks or poults o for examination for airsacculitis o samples from carcases according to veterinary advice and/or discussion of sampling options with AHVLA Section 3 - Sample numbers: Statistical sampling The Directive defines a flock as meaning all poultry of the same health status kept on the same premises or in the same enclosure and constituting a single epidemiological unit. In housed poultry this will include all birds sharing the same airspace. Flock size Number of samples required to provide 95% confidence of detecting 5% withinflock prevalence 1-20 All birds

32 Section 4 - Test types available Test type Additional information Serology (monitoring only) Bacteriology (for monitoring purposes) Bacteriology (for confirmatory purposes) Molecular tests (monitoring and confirmation) Rapid Serum Agglutination test Western blot ELISA Haemagglutination inhibition Swabs from live birds or carcases Swabs from live birds or swabs or tissues from carcases Swabs from live birds or swabs/ tissues from carcases 32