The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland has provided guidance to the poultry industry of its statutory obligations.
This follows the recent lifting of avian influenza restrictions.
DAERA said that EU egg marketing regulations remain directly applicable under the Windsor Framework, and the Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations continue to apply.
In particular, following the removal of the veterinary housing order, DAERA said producers must carefully consider the requirement for birds to have direct access to the range as they re-adjust to outdoor conditions.
Access
‘Direct’ access to range requires that from the popholes, hens can see and easily access an open-air run that is mainly covered with vegetation and provides appropriate overhead cover, DAERA explained.
“Care should be taken to avoid structures or surfaces that may hinder birds’ ability or willingness to access any part of the range,” the department said.
“Evidence of compliance includes birds exhibiting normal behaviour and actively accessing and dispersing throughout the range area.”
Egg production
DAERA said it recognises that, particularly where units have been converted to free range production, access to the required range area may be restricted by roads, lanes or waterways.
“Where roads or lanes must be crossed, the construction of tunnels, underpasses or overpasses for the hens will be needed,” it continued.
“These should be carefully designed, taking account of height, width, drainage and light penetration, to encourage (rather than impede) the hens’ natural ranging behaviour.”
DAERA said producers intending to commence table egg production or make changes to an existing egg laying establishment must apply to DAERA’s egg marketing inspectorate at least one month in advance of placing hens or implementing any changes.
This ensures sufficient time for the necessary process, it added.