This month I thought it would be useful to focus on some of the more concerning answers to the survey. I previously discussed what bird keepers would look for in the way of symptoms for Avian Influenza. Following on from this, we asked poultry keepers "What would your next course of action be after suspecting a case of Avian Influenza in your flock?"
Again, this was a free-text answer, so owners were able to write what they felt would be appropriate in this situation. Exact phrases such as: 'Report to DEFRA' (58 of 1556 respondents), 'Report to APHA' (12), 'Call a vet' (9) 'Call the vet' (33), 'Call DEFRA' (29), 'Check DEFRA website' (6) came up frequently. The following words were popular in the responses: DEFRA (562), Vet (855), APHA (116), Cull (45), Isolate (47), Google (24).
Some respondents weren't as informed, with answers such as "don't know" (2 respondents both with 1-10 birds) and "Not/unsure" (8).
RELUCTANCE TO INFORM THE AUTHORITIES
Bu hikaye The Country Smallholder dergisinin February 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Country Smallholder dergisinin February 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
How to Buy a Smallholding in France- Long-time smallholder Lorraine Turnbull looks at the practicalities of moving to rural France
Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.
Meet the Bournemouth goats and their supporters
These capricious animals are hard workers preserving the natural habitat
Still warm enough to sit outside with a Pizza
Henrietta Balcon uses fresh figs to create an unusual dish at Harvest time
Goodbye to the birds of spring and summer
If you look and listen you might be able to see them preparing to leave says The RSPB
Get ready for the colder weather in the warmth of late summer
Claire Waring advises on doing the best to make sure your colonies survive until next spring
Preparing the Veg Patch for Winter
Lee Senior says, a well-run plot can excitingly continue to produce good quality, tasty, fresh food for much of winter
Time to prepare to plant your orchard
Wade Muggleton, smallholder and author of The Orchard Book, shares his practical experience so you can create your own fruit collection
Choosing feed for the autumn
As autumn approaches, Joanna Palmer, nutritionist at the Smallholder Range, offers advice on choosing the right feed to support your adult birds through their annual moult and ensure your young birds grow and finish well at this time of the year.
Vet advice from an experienced poultry vet
Reflecting on how much the humble hen has helped people world wide plus advice on stopping the scourge of red mite
Give your hens some support
Paul Donovan looks at the right and wrong ways of handling birds
