Poultry sector 'on the line' as farmers face bird flu and spiralling costs

The Scottish government is being warned the poultry sector is in 'crisis' as it battles rising costs and the deadly avian flu.

The National Farmers Union of Scotland (NFUS) wants the government to introduce a housing order, which would force farmers to keep birds inside as the virus spreads.

England has already introduced a housing order, however the Scottish government said there’s currently not enough justification to follow suit.

Local businesses at risk

Muirkirk farmer Gordon Atkinson-Ligat, who runs The Wee Broon Hens, said: “We should have a housing order already.

“Bird flu is already destroying businesses. Once you have to cull your birds, that’s it, there’s no more business.

“The first thing everyone notices is there’s no turkeys on the shelf at Christmas or there’s no eggs in the supermarkets.

“It’s not just down to bird flu, it’s the cost of everything. It’s making producers leave the industry.”

Costs passed on to customers

However, not every egg producer agrees a housing order is necessary.

Beith farmer Gordon Walker, who runs the East Lugtonridge Farm, said a housing order could add to already rising costs:

Mr Walker said: “If we have to house the birds the welfare becomes the first concern and that spirals our costs.

“You’ve got to worry about bedding for them when they’re in all the time and you’ve got to provide environmental stimulus for them, to keep them entertained as it were.

“All our inputs have been spiralling, at some point you have to put a wee bit on to the customer.”

Government resists calls

A Scottish Government Spokesperson said: “We are keeping the situation under constant review, however the current evidence does not yet justify imposing a housing order in Scotland.

“The decision on whether a housing order is introduced is a matter for Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer and follows the analysis of a wide range of available evidence.

NFUS spokesperson Robert Thompson said: “With no cushion within the industry, the additional impact from bird flu has been catastrophic.

“Simply importing more eggs and chicken from abroad will also be a challenge for supermarkets as the disease is raging across the EU, leading to millions of birds being culled.

“Instead, they should be backing home production and paying a price that recognises the exceptional high costs that producers face.”

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