UK farmers urged to take up insurance policies against avian influenza
An uptick in the number of cases of avian influenza affecting the UK has prompted companies to stress the need for producers to take out insurance policies against the virus.
Following collaboration with the NFU, insurance company NFU Mutual reopened its offer for new avian influenza insurance policies earlier this year. The NFU has been working with NFU Mutual, seeking a solution for poultry producers who are facing the prospect of no insurance against avian influenza as we enter the peak risk period.
As one of the only insurers still offering avian influenza cover in the UK, members wishing to take out a policy with NFU Mutual should act fast as the window to apply will close on 1 September.
High-risk period ahead
Adam Williams, NFU Mutual animal disease portfolio manager, said: “To maintain the sustainability and viability of our avian influenza insurance offering, NFU Mutual reopened general new business outside our scheme for the first time in 3 years last April. The book has since reopened for 2025 and is scheduled to close again on 1 September 2025, ahead of the high-risk period – subject to outbreak developments.”
NFU Poultry Board chair James Mottershead stressed the importance of insurance that covers losses from avian influenza breakouts. “We are now entering a critical period for poultry producers,” he said. “So as the risk of avian influenza ramps up, then so does the vital need to ensure adequate insurance cover and protection. Any producers who are affected can contact NFU CallFirst for advice and support.”
Advice and support
Meanwhile, RSPCA Assured said new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza were causing concern, but added the business was offering advice and support to producers. In certain circumstances – for example, where there’s a compulsory housing order or a farm is within a 10km or 3km avian influenza control zone – there will be alternative options that members may be able to choose instead of an in-person assessment, desk top or virtual visit.
Allan Pearson, farming and technical engagement manager at RSPCA Assured, says: “Sadly, increased avian influenza outbreaks have become a new reality, and we understand how stressful and worrying this is for our members. We’re committed to supporting farmers through these tough times and our farming and engagement technical team is always on hand to offer advice and practical guidance to ensure members meet the RSPCA welfare standards throughout an outbreak. We encourage any RSPCA Assured member who has concerns about avian influenza or has any questions to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.”
Biosecurity, contingency planning and welfare
The RSPCA Assured website also has a dedicated area offering detailed information about additional biosecurity measures, advice on contingency planning and improving flock welfare during a housing order.
RSPCA Assured assessors will follow each site’s specific biosecurity procedures alongside the scheme’s stringent measures, which include:
- Using foot dips, sanitising facilities and wearing foot coverings.
- Carrying FFP3 face masks and disposable gloves in case they are needed.
- If moving between sheds, assessors will follow the members’ lead on where to take off and put on additional PPE.
- At the end of the visit, assessors remove all PPE where the member requests.
- If an assessor has parked a vehicle on the main site, they will spray the wheels immediately after the last gate as they leave.
Proactive measures
There are also several proactive measures producers can take to improve flock welfare during a housing order. These include:
- Putting extra enrichment inside sheds to help birds perform important foraging behaviours. For example, alfalfa or lucerne hanging in hay nets or pecking blocks offer birds a reward for interacting with them.
- For laying hens and turkeys, scattering feed or insoluble/soluble grit on the litter can also provide interest and stimulate natural foraging behaviour.
- Checking enrichments are clean and have been stored under cover to avoid introducing avian influenza to the shed.
- Introducing materials with fine particles to encourage birds to dust bathe whilst living indoors.
Further information and advice are available for members on the RSPCA Assured website.
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