Since anyone releasing 50 or more game birds is already legally required to register his will not impact them. However, under the new rules, a single decoy bird in a Larsen trap will trigger a requirement to register and for those such as operators of wild bird shoots including grouse moors, this will be an important change.

There will be a new simplified registration process set up by Defra that will be available to anyone registering less than 50 birds (those compelled to register by the new rules who didn’t previously need to). This registration system will be available throughout the UK. Those with 50 or more birds will still need to register through the current system for their country.

A comprehensive review of the scheme is well under way and is virtually complete for the Lowland Shoot Assurance Scheme. Reviews of both the Upland Shoot Assurance Scheme and the Game Farm Assurance Scheme are progressing well, the Game Farm Scheme review panel being led by GFA Chairman George Davis, with input from other GFA committee members and from the gamebird veterinary community. The review of the Upland scheme is expected to be finalised early in the New Year with the review if the Game Farm scheme following in early spring, ready for next year’s rearing season.

The GFA will be providing more information to its members regarding the Game Farm Assurance Scheme in due course but in the meantime more information can be found by clicking on the link below:

https://aimtosustain.org.uk/assurance/

Following a united effort to across the Aim to Sustain partner organisations, including a face-to-face meeting in Whitehall with a senior DEFRA minister common sense seems to have prevailed for once. The current licences expire on 31st December and will be replaced with new 2-year licences that come into force on 1st January 2024.

As usual, there is the caveat that “ We will continue to assess any new and emerging evidence concerning risks associated with the control of wild birds authorised by GL40-42.  If any evidence emerges which necessitates modification of any of the conditions in the licence instruments, we will endeavour to ensure licence users have enough time to adjust to any operational changes that may be required”.

The Aim to Sustain Game Assurance Scheme will allow game farms, game shoots and estates to demonstrate publicly that they operate to the highest standards, which has been independently verified by an accredited external auditor. 

These standards include assessment of animal health and welfare, food quality, environmental enhancement and protection, appropriate stocking levels, staff training and health and safety.

The scheme guarantees the quality of game meat for consumers through the Aim to Sustain assurance stamp, so they know that their game comes from an audited, high-quality source.

Aim to Sustain’s operations director Spike Butcher said: “Everybody involved in Aim to Sustain appreciates the significant amount of work that BGA has put into developing the scheme, with an impressive reputation fostered in the sustainable game management sector. Having such a strong platform in place will give the scheme the best possible chance of succeeding under the new management of Aim to Sustain.

“All eight partner organisations and our scientific advisor, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, now have ‘skin in the game’. With investment in the scheme through commitment of time, effort and resource, the game shooting community will strengthen collaboration further to ensure that effective self-regulation is in place and visibly doing its job. All major organisations in the sustainable game management sector now have direct responsibility for self-assurance - this is a major step in the right direction.”

BASC chief executive Ian Bell said: “BASC has helped to nurture the BGA since its beginning and we look forward to seeing game assurance grow as the Aim to Sustain partners take on the responsibility for game assurance from the BGA

“With all the Aim to Sustain partners fully committed to self-regulation and best practice within our sector, together we are in a strong position to take the assurance scheme and develop and grow it.

“Assurance is a critical element of self-regulation.  It allows shoots, estates and game farms to provide evidence of their high welfare standards, safe wild harvest and food production and positive environmental effects.  This evidence is important to help us tell the good news stories about game shooting and game management.” 

Country Land and Business Association President Mark Tufnell said: “The launch of the Aim to Sustain Game Assurance Scheme is a vital next step in continuing to demonstrate effective self-regulation, and we encourage everyone involved in the sector to get behind it and be part of assurance.

“Game meat is a healthy, nutritious and sustainably-produced option, and this scheme can help consumers and the public be confident that meat has been produced to the highest standards.”

Countryside Alliance chief executive Tim Bonner said: “The future of game shooting is reliant on public and political perception and shoot assurance and wider sector self regulation are critical to that perception. It is critical that we can promote all the environmental, economic and social benefits of sustainable game management.”

Louisa Clutterbuck, CEO of Eat Wild and formerly British Game Assurance, said: “We believe that this transfer to Aim to Sustain will propel assurance adoption to the next level, allowing our team to concentrate on the vital task of promoting game, encompassing both feathered and venison options for the table, to the wider public. We take immense pride in the achievements of the BGA to date. I want to emphasize my personal gratitude to every one of our supporters for their loyal and dedicated assistance over the years.

GFA chairman George Davis said: “The GFA has been a staunch supporter of assurance since its inception by the BGA and indeed, were instrumental in developing the Game Farm Assurance scheme along side the BGA. We are looking forward to having greater involvement in the promotion of Game Farm Assurance to the game farming community through our partnership in Aim to Sustain. The GFA believe Assurance is vital to help secure the future of our members and the wider shooting sector.”

GWCT director Advisory and Education Dr Roger Draycott said: “The transfer of the assurance scheme to A2S is a very significant move towards ensuring shoots achieve the huge conservation benefits we know game management can deliver. As A2S’s independent scientific advisor we would encourage shoots to join the scheme, which is in line with GWCT’s science-based Guidelines for Sustainable Gamebird Releasing. When game managers apply best practice measures, they can double the wildlife in the farmed environment and demonstrate their vital role in national nature recovery.”

Moorland Association director Amanda Anderson said: “Grouse is one of the most delicious and healthy meats available in the UK and is of exceptional seasonal and regional provenance. The development of the assurance scheme over the past five years has proven to be of enormous benefit in documenting how game is sustainably produced, handled and distributed. The sector is under constant scrutiny and so the ability to dispel some of the myths about grouse moors is invaluable. We are excited to see the continued development of national and international markets for game over the coming years.”

NGO chairman David Pooler said: “The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation believes that self-regulation is vital for the future of shooting and game management more widely. This is a view we have been working hard to reinforce among our members. Demonstrating the high welfare standards and the positive conservation benefits of game management is hugely important for all of us. Assurance plays a significant role in encouraging self-assurance among the shooting community, and we hope that by working together things will go from strength under the new banner of Aim to Sustain.”

Scottish Land & Estates chairman Dee Ward said: “SLE has strongly supported the development of a shoot and game farm assurance scheme over the last five years, and believe it is a good move for it now to come under the administrative umbrella of Aim to Sustain.  Game shooting is an important rural land use sector in Scotland and a rigorous assurance scheme is the best way to ensure we have a sector that is delivering best practice for nature, biodiversity and climate, and to build confidence with politicians and the public that it is being carried out sustainably.  SLE has led the way with the Wildlife Estates Scotland initiative and we hope that A2S Game Assurance will work alongside it, and will help all our members with shooting interests to take advantage of it.”

Pictured below is BASC Chairman Eoghan Cameron at the launch of BASC’s Wildlife Fund, which makes funds available for a wide range of conservation projects across the country.

The picture below shows Ian Jones of Hafren Vets (far left, seated) waits his turn to present to the meeting while Welsh CVO Richard Irving (standing) addresses the room and Ashley Banyard and Richard Hepple of APHA (seated at the table) are on hand to answer technical questions from the floor.

For more information, click here for summary figures from the 2022 collection, along with some reinforcement of the rules and regulations as well as some exciting initiatives to help take our sector forward. As we look to make further sustainable reductions in the prescription of antibiotics, there needs to be greater focus on improving systems, raising welfare standards and research so that we create a sector that is less prone to disease challenges and is consequently less dependent on medication.

Previously GL 43 covered all such protected sites subject to agreed stocking densities, above which an individual licence was required. The new licence, which has a 24-month lifespan, only applies to SAC’s, meaning that all releases on SPA’s will now need an individual licence, regardless of the stocking density.

This change has been announced far to late to enable shoot managers to accommodate it and there are serious concerns about Natural England’s ability to resource their role in the licencing regime. In addition, there are serious welfare concerns about birds already scheduled for release should a licence be refused or not processed in a timely fashion. There are also questions surrounding the decision-making process that has led to this. There has been absolutely no engagement with the shooting sector, a complete lack of transparency throughout and a failure to produce robust scientific justification for the change, which Natural England claims is necessary to protect wild bird populations in affected areas from Avian Influenza.

The consultation is not evidence based and we are calling on everyone to act now to protect shooting in Wales by saying no to the proposals.

The consultation closes on June 20th.

Click here to read the consultation in full.

You can respond to this consultation by clicking respond and including some or all of the following information in your response. Alternatively, If you have a shoot or business that could be directly impacted by the proposals and need further guidance for your response, please email dominic@gfa.org.uk

Q1: Give your name.

Q2: Give your email address (optional).

Q3: Ignore unless you represent an organisation.

Q4: Say no. This is a proposed ban on releasing gamebirds which would shut down game shooting in Wales. The Welsh Government has made it clear on several occasions, most recently in a letter dated 2nd November 2021 from Julie James AS/MS, Minister for Climate Change, to Aim to Sustain stating that ‘the Welsh Government do not support the shooting of live quarry as a leisure activity’. The current proposals would enable the Welsh Government to ban game shooting by preventing or severely restricting gamebird releasing in the future. The timing of this consultation, before all the evidence is available, clearly shows that this is being politically driven and is not evidence based. Government commissioned research on the impact of gamebird releasing is ongoing, and safeguards are already in place for gamebird releasing on protected sites.

Q5: Say no. As I do not accept the need for common pheasant and red-legged partridge to be added to Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in Wales. There is simply not enough evidence to justify the extent of the current proposals and the effective wholesale licensing of game shoots in Wales. A licensing regime is unnecessary and unworkable and can be removed at any time, resulting in an automatic gamebird releasing ban.

Q6: Say no. As I do not accept the need for licensing in Wales. I believe that allowing the sector to self-regulate based on GWCT guidelines for sustainable gamebird releasing is the right course of action. There is simply not enough evidence to justify the extent of the current proposals and the effective wholesale licensing of game shoots in Wales. There is already a strong ethos of self-regulation for gamebird releasing. GWCT guidelines have been part of the Code of Good Shooting Practice for decades and compliance is high. Furthermore, the proposal for red-legged partridge is not fit for purpose as it does not recognise how their release is managed.

Q7: Say no. As I do not accept the need for licensing in Wales. I believe that allowing the sector to self-regulate based on GWCT guidelines for sustainable gamebird releasing is the right course of action. There is simply not enough evidence to justify the extent of the current proposals and the effective wholesale licensing of game shoots in Wales. There is already a strong ethos of self-regulation for gamebird releasing. GWCT guidelines have been part of the Code of Good Shooting Practice for decades and compliance is high.

Q8: Say no. As I do not accept the need for licensing in Wales. There is simply not enough evidence to justify the extent of the current proposals and the effective wholesale licensing of game shoots in Wales. This would add even more confusion to an already unnecessary and unworkable licensing regime.

Qs 9-12: The last four questions invite views on whether the proposals could in any way affect opportunities for people to use the Welsh language. You can skip these questions if you have no comments to make.

Mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds, which were introduced across England and Wales to help stop the spread of bird flu, will be lifted from 00:01 on Tuesday 18 April 2023, the Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed today following a latest assessment of the risk level.

Following ongoing monitoring using the latest scientific evidence and a robust risk assessment, bird flu risk levels have been reduced meaning poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed and can be kept outside, unless they are in a Protection Zone. The decision means that from 18 April, eggs laid by hens with access to outside range areas can return to being marketed as ‘Free-Range’ eggs. 

The scale of avian influenza outbreaks across the UK and Europe have been unprecedented with over 330 cases confirmed across the country since late October 2021. While the risk of bird flu has been reduced to ‘medium’ for premises with poor biosecurity, the enhanced biosecurity requirements that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in force as infection may still be circulating in the environment for several more weeks. The risk of bird flu remains assessed as low where good biosecurity is applied.

Those who intend to allow their birds outside are advised to use the upcoming days to prepare their outside areas for the release of their birds. This will include cleansing and disinfection of hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroduction of wild bird deterrents.

Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said: 

“Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe.

“It is thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets who have played their part in keeping flocks safe this winter that we are in a position to take this action. However, the unprecedented nature of this outbreak has proven it’s more important than ever for bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”

Scrupulous biosecurity is the most effective method of disease control available and all bird keepers should apply enhanced measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks.

Poultry and captive bird keepers must:

• cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
• reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
• thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
• keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and bird housing entry and exit points
• minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
  be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.

We would encourage all keepers to register their flocks with us. For poultry this is a legal requirement if you have 50 birds or more (poultry includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeon (bred for meat), partridge, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants). Registering with us means that we will be able to contact you with information or action required should an outbreak happen near you. We recently announced a consultation on proposals to require all poultry keepers to officially register their birds (consultation closes at 23:45 on 31 May 2023).

The UKHSA advise that the available evidence suggests viruses currently circulating in birds in the UK do not spread easily to people and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. There is no impact on the consumption of properly cooked poultry products, including eggs.

Bird keepers should report suspicion of disease in England to the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301, in Wales contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. In Northern Ireland contact DAERA on 0300 200 7840 or your local DAERA Direct Regional Office. Keepers should familiarise themselves with our avian flu advice.

Members of the public are reminded not to touch dead wild birds and are encouraged to report findings of dead wild birds using the new online reporting system or by calling the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77). 

Dominic Boulton, of the Game Farmers’ Association, said: “The 90-day surveillance period exacerbated gamebird supply chain issues last summer. By cutting the time frame by up to two-thirds it is hoped trade can be freed up at no greater risk of spreading the disease. While there remain several unanswered questions regarding the changes, the news should provide gamekeepers and shoot owners with a degree of clarity for when they are making decisions on sourcing gamebirds for next season."

Dominic continued. "With the risk of further avian influenza outbreaks remaining high, it is important to acknowledge that this change will not be a so-called ‘silver bullet’ for the sector. The 30-day period remains a minimum amount of time and in most cases the required disease control and surveillance activity will take longer, which has the potential to disrupt plans. The decisive action by both EU and UK parties in response to the concerns of the gamebird and wider poultry sector has provided reassurance that everything is being done that can be to ensure smooth trade between countries.”

Samuel Kurtz (Conservative MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire) said. "Shooting and conservation go hand in glove in protecting our environment and vulnerable species and supporting the restoration of habitats and ecosystems. With the Welsh Goverment not necessarily recognising the wider value of these activities, it is our job to bang the drum and ensure that our rural communities are getting the praise and applause they deserve. That's why events such as this provide the perfect opportunity to showcase the industry's vital contribution to nature and the environment. The whole team did a suberb job at demonstrating the versatility of game produce and showed the complete journey game meat makes to our dinner plates."

GFA President Paul Jeavons and PR and Political Advisor Dominic Boulton both attended the very popular event. Paul Jeavons said. " Although we only have a few members in Wales it is vital that the GFA plays its part in defending and promoting game shooting in Wales, particularly in light of the Welsh Government's attitude to our sector."

Spike Butcher who addressed the room (pictured below with Rachel Evans of the Countryside Allliance - the driving force behind the event) said. "Bringing fantastic Welsh game to the Senedd estate has literally given us food for thought. The importance of shooting to Wales in terms of economic, environmental and social benefits were delivered through food cooked to an exceptional standard by all involved. There was a significant atmosphere created by a plethera of people who depend on shooting, from veterinary surgeone to caterers, conservationists, and those who partake in shooting. It was a great showcase for shooting in Wales."

They have also given an undertaking that The GFA, along with other Aim to Sustain partners, will have much greater engagement in the process. Dominic Boulton of the GFA commented that “Whilst we welcome the opportunity to engage with DEFRA in further work around this issue, it is a shame that they did not engage with us more during the process of producing this Risk Assessment. Had they have done so the end result would have been far more relevant ”

 GFA Chairman George Davis echoed this sentiment and added “Defra acknowledge that this assessment is based on assumptions made with a lack of reliable data and therefore inherent within the findings is a high degree of uncertainty. Looking back at what we know has happened over the last few months in the aftermath of the 2022 releasing season this becomes abundantly clear. Indeed, there is no evidence that one of the scenarios the Risk Assessment considers (game birds being infected with AI prior to release) even happened, so considering the risk it poses seems completely pointless.” Both George and Dominic joined Aim to Sustain colleagues this morning to meet the Defra team responsible for the report and highlight our concerns at the lack of prior engagement with the game sector.

Dr Roger Draycott, Director of Advisory and Gamebird Policy at GWCT commented: “The RSPB’s position is not based on scientific evidence and if enacted would unquestionably lead to a reduction in activities including habitat provision and management, supplementary feeding and targeted predation management, all of which have been scientifically proven to deliver significant biodiversity benefits to the British countryside. These would be lost if there was a moratorium on gamebird releasing and management as proposed by RSPB.”

George Davis, Chairman of the GFA said “At times like these we need to see organisations coming together to sustain our wildlife and so much more in our countryside. RSPBs recent prejudiced remarks from the side-lines are designed to score political points whilst it's the farmers and gamekeepers that toil in these challenging times and extreme weather, looking after cover crops, hedging plants and maintaining watering stations to name just a few of the jobs that sustain our bird life.

Their recent statement seems to be more geared to appeasing their supporters, and political grandstanding without considering the consequences of loss of habitat or the thousands of man hours that are invested in managing our countryside and conservation projects. Judging by their actions, it is hard to avoid the conclusion that the RSPB is more interested in disrupting shooting than protecting birds or encouraging conservation, habitat management and biodiversity gain.

Please don't forget your grassroots RSPB, Sir Peter Scott was a shooting man himself, and like him many of us are passionate about wildlife conservation. Our national bird life is supported by those that live and work in the countryside, compromising our livelihood will adversely affect huge swathes of the countryside and would lead directly to the loss of hundreds of millions spent annually on habitat management and biodiversity - how damaging would that be?”

Baroness Bakewell said she found the visit both interesting and informative and she plans to follow this with a spring visit to another site to look at Raised Laying Units and has expressed an interest in attending a shoot day this season to find out more about shooting.

Pictured from left to right are: Ann and Gwyn Evans Bettws Hall, Matthew Goodall GWCT, Dominic Boulton GFA, Sam Rowlands MS North Wales (Conservative Shadow Minister for Local Government), LLyr Gruffydd MS North Wales (Plaid Cymru), Joel James MS South Wales Central (Conservative and member of BASC), Natasha Asghar MS South East Wales (Conservative), Samuel Kurtz MS Camarthen West and South Pembrokeshire (Conservative), David Boden BASC, Peter Fox MS Monmouth (Conservative) and Russell George MS Montgomeryshire (Conservative).

Later the same day, Dominic also represented the GFA at the Welsh Aim to Sustain Committee to discuss their recent call for evidence on game bird releasing.

In mid July, George Davis (Chairman) and Dominic Boulton (PR and Political Advisor), made the trip to London and had a very productive meeting with Baroness Jones. Although no fan of shooting, Baroness Jones approached the meeting with an open mind and was appreciative of the bigger picture that surrounds the shooting debate and by the end of the meeting, accepted that the wider benefits of shooting countered many of the arguments levied against the sport. She agreed that whilst she could not condone shooting game, she had no desire to prevent others from doing so. Baroness Jones has also accepted our invitation to visit a game farm next spring to further discuss the matter of Raised Laying Units.

The GFA is currently engaged with officials at the highest level in DEFRA and APHA through our representation on the Governments Nation Avian Disease Core Group, and has been involved with briefing the Secretary of State for Agriculture, George Eustice, as well as liaising with our colleagues in France to help facilitate more communication between officials here and across the Channel.

Further updates will follow as soon as there are any developments. In the meantime the GFA recommends all producers liaise closely with their suppliers to understand how this situation may affect them.

As you will be aware, due to an increased risk of incursion of avian influenza (bird flu) for wild birds, gamebirds, poultry and other captive birds within the UK, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was declared by Scottish Ministers, covering the whole of Scotland, on 03 November 2021. Similar legislation was enacted across all UK administrations.

Subsequently, measures that made it a legal requirement for all poultry and captive birds (with the exception of game birds kept for restocking)  to be housed or otherwise kept separate from wild birds, and for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to contain and eradicate the disease, were implemented on 29 November 2021.

Following feedback from stakeholders and government colleagues, and in light of recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza within the UK, we recognised a need to issue the following important outbreak-specific advice to all involved with gamebirds in Scotland.

Biosecurity

Biosecurity means simple procedures or steps you can take to prevent disease. The risk of bird flu in the UK from wild birds never disappears completely and so good biosecurity should be incorporated into daily practice, but during an outbreak period it is vital to protect your birds.  An outbreak of bird flu at any size game or poultry establishment can have a profound impact on the commercial game and poultry sector through both the introduction of movement restrictions and temporary loss of exports with other countries.

This biosecurity guidance includes details of measures that should be taken in the current Avian Influenza Prevention Zone and provides specific advice for game bird keepers. Complete the biosecurity self-assessment checklist to ensure you are complying with the mandatory biosecurity requirements.

Legal Requirement

The legal requirement to house all poultry or captive birds in the UK includes caught-up gamebirds. The aim of this requirement is to segregate poultry and captive birds, such as caught up gamebirds, from wild birds as much as is possible to reduce the risk of infection. The exception to this requirement are game birds kept for restocking supplies. Although it is important to note that these birds must be supplied with feed and water either indoors or under a shelter which prevents contact by wild birds with the feed and water supplied.

Bird Gatherings

A further biosecurity measure integral to the legal restrictions applied, and key to reducing the risk of onward spread, is the amendment of the General Licence permitting bird gatherings (to prohibit gatherings involving kept galliformes (chickens, turkeys, pheasants, partridges, quails and other land fowl) and kept anseriformes, (ducks, geese, swans and other water fowl). It is important to stress that these bird gathering events include the catching-up of wild game birds. There are, however, exceptions to this and the following are not considered to be gatherings and do not, therefore, need to be licensed:

• catching-up of wild game birds (where they have come from multiple locations but are then moved to a single location afterwards, and remain there for breeding or other purposes)

• birds which are brought together from different locations, but where no birds move off the premises within 13 days of the last bird arriving on the premises;

It should be noted, however, that there is some risk that birds gathered from the wild could be infected with avian influenza, and by gathering them up and bringing them back to a farm/shoot/estate, this could infect the birds that are already there. Caught up pheasants are defined as poultry. Therefore, if disease is confirmed, this would result in a new infected premises. It is on this basis that all catching up activities are not recommended whilst the AIPZ measures are still in effect.

This recommendation holds even greater weight for premises that fall within geographical areas deemed at particular high risk to avian influenza (HRAs). Check if your premises falls within one of these areas by using our interactive map (please note the ‘layers’ functionality button top right on this interactive screen to add HRAs to the map).

Register Your Birds

There is a legal requirement for all poultry keepers with 50 or more birds to register their premises on the Great Britain Poultry Register – this includes game keepers. The voluntary registration of premises with fewer than 50 birds is highly encouraged - particularly if you are in, or close to, a higher risk area.

General Advice

It should be noted that this is general advice for those whose activities do not fall within Protection and Surveillance Zones associated with an outbreak premises, within which specific legal regulations apply.

It is also worth noting that catching up gamebirds is only legal until 28th February in Scotland.

Avian influenza is a notifiable disease by law. If you find a single dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), a single dead bird of prey, or five or more dead wild birds of any other species (including gulls) at the same place at the same time, you should report them to Defra’s GB-wide telephone helpline: 03459 33 55 77 (please select option 7). It is advisable that you do not touch these birds.

Know the signs of bird flu in kept birds, which include loss of appetite, swollen heads, respiratory problems and multiple unexpected deaths. If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by contacting your local APHA office. Failure to do so is an offence.

Bird flu and its consequences can certainly impact game management and shooting, but it is also true that game managers and shooters are in a good position to detect and report outbreaks. Please be vigilant and report any concerns.

Scottish Government have joined with organisations involved in gamebird management to issue revised guidance on bird flu and the way it can affect the activities of gamebird rearers.

Queries specific to gamebirds and avian influenza can also be addressed to:

The Game Farmers Association

PO Box 3629

Wokingham

RG40 9LG

Tel: 01189 797255

Email: dominic@gfa.org.uk

Scottish Government guidance on avian influenza can be found at:

www.gov.scot/avianinfluenza

A spokesperson for Aim to Sustain partner organisations said: “This result is further vindication of the legitimate, ethical and sustainable land management that underpins these iconic areas of the British uplands.

“Packham and Wild Justice have now suffered this embarrassing, third defeat on this issue. Four Aim to Sustain organisations fought all the way on this issue and they will continue to fight any further actions by Wild Justice that threaten sustainable management of our countryside which provides important environmental, societal and conservation benefits.”

Four organisations within Aim to Sustain worked shoulder to shoulder with Defra to defend the challenges brought by Wild Justice -  the Moorland Association (MA), British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), Countryside Alliance (CA), and National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO).

“We firmly believe that prescribed burning is an essential tool for those managing our uplands and we want to ensure these land managers continue to have access to the right tools at the right time,” the spokesperson added.

The organisations have now also officially received £1,100 legal costs awarded to them by the court when the original Wild Justice challenge was refused last year. The money has been donated to the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust.

Most notably, the English general licences now cover European Protected Sites (such as Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation) albeit with some additional conditions relating to some of these sites. This will make controlling ‘pest birds’ over these sites easier and quicker as there will no longer be a need to apply for an individual licence.

However, members should be aware of changes to GL40, ‘the conservation licence’, which as of 2021 includes a controversial and unsupportable change that control under this licence can now only be carried out to conserve bird species which are endangered i.e. red or amber listed. Although not directly relevant to the rearing field, this could have wider implications for Game Farmers who rely on GL40 for conservation purposes away from the rearing field.

Any activity not covered by a general licence will require an individual licence from Natural England. Last year there were significant issues and delays with processing individual licence applications. NE has launched a pre-screening service for anyone considering applying for such a licence to improve the process. The service should take less than ten minutes to complete, and NE will provide a quick response advising of the likelihood of a licence being issued and what evidence would be required to be successful. This is a welcome attempt to improve the service offered by NE and with our partner organisations in Aim to Sustain we will be monitoring the success of the new service.

Crucially for Game Farmers and Game Keepers, point 7 of the legal definitions of GL42 on the last page of the licence, makes it clear that the term “livestock” includes game birds in the context of game farming.

Below are links to the current General Licences that are valid until 31 December 2023:

Valid from 1 January 2022 – GL40: general licence to kill or take certain species of wild birds to conserve wild birds, flora or fauna of conservation concern
Valid from 1 January 2022 – GL41: General Licence to kill or take certain species of wild birds to preserve public health or public safety 
Valid from 1 January 2022 – GL42: General Licence to kill or take certain species of wild birds to prevent serious damage

Valid until 31 December 2022:

Valid from 1 January 2022 – GL33: trapping wild birds: standard licence conditions

Last week the first case of Bird Flu was confirmed in a human, although this was as a result of prolonged close contact with infected birds and was not related to shooting or the handling of shot game. It does however highlight the need for vigilance among bird keepers.

Professor Isabel Oliver, Chief Scientific Officer at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “While the risk of avian flu to the general public is very low, we know that some strains do have the potential to spread to humans and that’s why we have robust systems in place to detect these early and take action. Currently there is no evidence that this strain detected in the UK can spread from person to person, but we know that viruses evolve all the time, and we continue to monitor the situation closely. We have followed up all of this individual’s contacts and have not identified any onward spread. It remains critical that people do not touch sick or dead birds, and that they contact DEFRA.”

UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “While avian influenza is highly contagious in birds, this is a very rare event and is very specific to the circumstances on this premises. We took swift action to limit the spread of the disease at the site in question, all infected birds have been humanely culled, and cleansing and disinfection of the premises is underway. This is a reminder that stringent cleanliness when keeping animals is important. We are seeing a growing number of cases in birds on both commercial farms and in backyard flocks across the country. Implementing scrupulous biosecurity measures will help keep your birds safe.”

As the start of the laying season looms nearer, biosecurity arrangements and quarantine / isolation protocols, where relevant, have never been more important. For further advice click on biosecurity.   

Catching up gamebirds in England and Wales is legal until the end of the shooting season and until 28th February in Scotland.

The AIPZ means all bird keepers in Great Britain (whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) are required by law to take a range of biosecurity precautions. These will apply to anyone with overwintered game birds on their premises.

Separate AIPZ declarations have been made in each Great Britain administration. Details of the measures that apply and further information on Avian influenza can be found by clicking here.

This announcement follows a new risk assessment which was completed last week. There has been a significant reduction in the number of report cases across Europe and no new cases in the UK in the last few weeks.

The risk assessment concluded that: “The risk of avian influenza infection in wild birds remains low (rare but does occur). However, the risk of HPAI H5 exposure to poultry and captive birds across the whole GB has reduced from medium (occurs regularly) to low (rare but does occur) where biosecurity is sub-optimal and remains low (rare but does occur) where stringent biosecurity measures are applied.”

This will come as a relief in the game sector and should signal the beginning of the end of the outbreak. Work will now begin on analysing what can be learned and taken forward from it. There have recently been confirmed cases in wild pheasants for the first time, and as two of the confirmed cases in kept birds involved breeding pheasants, we will need to follow these reviews carefully to see if there is anything our sector can do to better protect itself in future.

“The NGDA represent an influential portion of the overall game dealers’ sector and their statement provides significant direction and leadership.”

“The shooting organisations continue to work towards a voluntary five-year transition but accept that changes within some areas of the sector may move quicker than in other areas.”

“The shooting organisations will continue to work with all stakeholders to support the transition through education, promotion and research and development in sustainable ammunition.”

“Game farmers faces many challenges and most are known to us. We need to come together and tackle them as one,” says George. “The GFA itself must be one step ahead, doing research and development to improve welfare and practicality in the production of quality gamebirds.

“Alongside this, our renowned political lobbying must continue and I am delighted that Dominic Boulton is going to be taking over much of Charles Nodder’s work now that he is retiring after 22 years as the GFA’s Political Adviser. We will also have assistance from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, a collaboration which I warmly welcome because securing a legislative future for our sector is clearly fundamental.”

George hopes that his new vision for a fully up to date gamebird sector with high standards and high levels of compliance will encourage more game rearers to join the Association:

“Think how much is spent on feeding reared gamebirds birds and on keeping them warm. With an inexpensive membership subscription to the GFA, you can continue to ensure that the sector remains politically viable, whilst having access to the latest research and advice. I urge all gamebird rearers to join the GFA and share in our journey towards a bright future.”

After dismissing Wild Justice’s subsequent attempt to claim £35,000 costs for the case it instigated, the judge in the matter was critical of the group’s behaviour in the latter stages of the legal process.

Justice Holgate criticised Wild Justice for their “unacceptable” failure to deal with the content of a witness statement submitted by Defra in August which discussed the findings of their 18-month evidence-gathering review of gamebird releasing and outlined subsequent steps that would be taken by Defra and Natural England (NE).

Justice Holgate also cast doubt on the validity of the case brought by Wild Justice, who were claimants (C) against Defra and the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

He added: “It does not appear to me from the material before me (which includes the results of the review) that C would have been successful on the issue.”

And in direct relation to Wild Justice’s application to receive costs, Justice Holgate said: “Plainly, it cannot be said that C has been wholly or even substantially successful in relation to its claim as originally pleaded.

“I am inclined to the view that it would not have been successful… …I am left with the firm impression that the application for costs did not grapple with the real issues from the outset and should not have been made.”

A spokesperson for the shooting organisations said: “The costs order by Justice Holgate has vindicated our hard work and the original decision by the organisations to fight Wild Justice to ensure that we could become involved in the legal hearings.

“As interested parties, we were able to submit witness statements and support Defra to ensure that shooting’s voice was heard.

"It was reassuring to see the Judge set out the shortcomings of Wild Justice's case in his rejection of their application for costs."

"As a group of organisations, we now move on to focus on the Government's proposed interim licensing scheme for gamebird release in and near to certain protected sites. We are determined that the legitimate game management interests of our members are safeguarded from threats, wherever they come from."

Further details, including the measures that apply in the AIPZ, can be found:

For England at GOV.​UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-bird-flu-national-prevention-zone-declared

 
For Scotland at GOV.SCOT: https://www.gov.scot/news/avian-influenza-protection-measures-1/ 

and for Wales at GOV.WALES: https://gov.wales/all-wales-prevention-zone-declared-protect-poultry-avian-flu-0

We will keep the GFA website up to date if there are further major developments.

Defra has not yet provided details of their proposal although a consultation on the licensing conditions is expected imminently.

The four shooting organisations believe a licensing system is not justified by the scientific evidence, even on an interim basis, that it is a misuse of the precautionary principle and may be unlawful. They are also concerned that it is open to further attack from anti-shooting organisations. They have demanded the following:

• The shooting organisations must be fully involved with the consultation.
• Defra, rather than Natural England, should implement any new licence.
• The legislation for any interim licensing system should have the termination date clearly specified.
• The conditions on any licence should be the GWCT’s rules for releasing, which are already the basis of self-regulation in game shooting.
• Any licensing system must be in place by 1 February 2021 to allow shoots to plan for the season. If this is not possible the system should be delayed until 2022.

A spokesperson for the four organisations said: “We are supportive and fully committed to self-regulation and the principles of gamebird management in the interest of sustainable shooting. Defra’s proposed red tape under the precautionary principle will do little but threaten rural jobs, conservation efforts and a host of social benefits that shooting provides.

“Natural England’s wildlife licensing system has been proven unsuccessful as a light touch regulatory power and we remain unconvinced that Defra’s proposal for European designated sites will be fit for purpose.

“The proposal is better than Wild Justice’s time wasting demands that all releasing should be made illegal within 5km of designated sites but it is not justified by the scientific evidence, which is that the negative effects of gamebird releasing are highly localised and need to be weighed against the strong evidence of landscape scale benefits from the woodland management associated with shooting. If Defra is to secure cooperation from the shooting community, it must do better. At the moment, there is a great deal of scepticism that a unknown licensing system run by an underfunded public body can fix something that is not known to be ecologically damaging.”

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Shooting and Conservation, chaired by Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, has already held a meeting with the Secretary of State for Defra, George Eustice MP, where they expressed their concerns. In a follow up letter, the MPs called on Defra to work closely with the shooting organisations.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said: “Many parliamentarians are concerned to ensure that shooting is not damaged by whatever Defra does. We will be fighting for a sensible evidence-based and proportionate outcome.”

As interested parties the shooting organisations will be able to provide written and oral evidence prior to the hearing.

A spokesperson for the organisations, said: “The government has made its position clear, yet Wild Justice continue to take actions that necessitate them using valuable time and resources defending a court case at a time of national crisis. We are pleased to stand alongside government in facing down this challenge by this anti-shooting group.

“Due to Coronavirus, there is a massive amount of uncertainty in rural communities and yet Wild Justice continue to push their extremist agenda. We should be under no illusion that this review is yet another excuse for an attack on shooting.”

Defra’s hard-hitting submission is in response to an attempt by Wild Justice to substantially amend their judicial review to ensure that the 2021 release of game birds and the review currently being undertaken by Defra on gamebird releasing is not carried out unlawfully. Defra noted in its submissions to the court that Wild Justice are ‘shooting at the wrong target’ and should be refused permission to amend the judicial review.

A spokesperson for the four shooting membership organisations (BASC, Countryside Alliance, the Game Farmers’ Association and the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation), who are registered as interested parties in the case, said: “We welcome the fact that the Government has taken such a strong line in resisting this wholesale change of approach from Wild Justice. This judicial review is clearly misdirected in terms of the law and serves no purpose. Resources and expertise should be going towards reviewing gamebird releases, not unnecessary and pointless court cases.

“Wild Justice’s application to amend the grounds of their judicial review is an admission that their claim was misconceived. As interested parties we ask that Wild Justice do the right thing and drop the case now and await the outcome of Defra’s review.”

Defra was joined by BASC, the Countryside Alliance, the Game Farmers’ Association and National Gamekeepers’ Organisation in making legal submissions that said there would be significant adverse impacts on countryside management if the court had followed an accelerated process.

A final decision on whether to allow a judicial review to proceed is now expected to come later this year.

A spokesperson for the shooting organisations, said: “Registering as interested parties has helped ensure that Wild Justice cannot impact on this coming season. We said that the rural calendar was set in stone and that Wild Justice’s challenge simply came too late for their points to be taken into account for 2020. This is a crucial time of the year for the British countryside and we are glad that Wild Justice has taken a pragmatic decision.

“This does not mean the case is closed. There is still a threat to the way we manage the countryside so our work will continue to ensure shooting’s voice is heard in any future legal challenge.

“Our four organisations have united to do what it takes to ensure the future of sustainable shooting for the benefit of the rural economy, conservation and social well-being.”

Wild Justice claim that releasing birds, even at considerable distance, could damage a European Protected Site (EPS) and that no game bird releasing should be allowed unless an assessment has shown there will be no impact on the area.

A spokesperson for the organisations said: “This case has direct consequences for thousands of our members and supporters who shoot; many of whom are also responsible for the care and management of these sites.

“It is essential that the shooting community involves itself in the proceedings at the earliest possible stage so that we can present a robust, evidence-based case to the court.

“No matter the cost, our voice needs to be heard during the proceedings. And time is of the essence. Many people involved in shooting have already begun preparations for next season which carry significant financial burden.

“The countryside does not operate to the same calendar as the judicial system and it is essential that point is delivered loud and clear to the court. Livelihoods and the health of the countryside are at risk if those making the decisions get this wrong.

“In their attempt to attack shooting, Wild Justice are putting at risk the responsible management, use and enjoyment of the countryside by farmers, land managers and the public at large, as well as endangering the very wildlife and environment which they claim to be interested in protecting.”

Their renewed call comes in response to figures for 2019 antibiotic usage calculated from prescriptions written by gamebird vets and collated by the GFA in collaboration with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). These show a small increase of 7% in 2019, associated with very wet weather during the rearing season and an unprecedented need to treat sick birds hit by the very challenging disease Mycoplasma.

In the previous two years, the gamebird sector had succeeded in reducing antibiotic use by 51%, with antibiotics incorporated in gamebird feed slashed by 70%. The organisations say they want to see a return to reductions in 2020. Additional plans are already underway to improve game rearing systems and biosecurity, so that fewer birds become sick and need treatment.

A spokesman for the GFA said, "2019 was a tough year for game rearers. More birds than usual succumbed to sickness - associated in part with terrible weather conditions – and as a result vets prescribed more soluble antibiotics than in the year before, much of it to treat bad outbreaks of Mycoplasma. Antibiotic incorporated in compounded feeds fell yet again, however, for the fourth year in a row.”

The GFA is meeting with gamebird vets, the VMD and Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) before the 2020 rearing season gets underway to put in place further reduction targets and other measures to bring antibiotic use down.

Professor Peter Borriello, Chief Executive Officer of the VMD, said: “It is encouraging to see in-feed antibiotic use continue to fall in the gamebird industry, although the increase in in-water and overall antibiotic use is disappointing. However, the openness of the gamebird industry to collect and publish its usage data is to be applauded. Given the fact that, even with the 2019 increase, antibiotic use has still reduced by 49% since 2016, we are confident that game farmers, gamekeepers and their vets will investigate the reasons for last year’s increase, develop a plan of action and continue to focus on reducing the need to use antibiotics through improvements in husbandry, biosecurity and disease prevention.”

The gamebird sector has already made changes that are expected to contribute to further falls in antibiotic use. A new Game Farm Audit to ensure high standards, including disease prevention, has recently been launched by the British Game Alliance. Other industry bodies, including the GFA, are funding urgent research into gamebird diseases, including Mycoplasma.

 A spokesman for the gamebird organisations said that all gamebird rearers needed to work with their vets towards further antibiotic reductions. “Much has been achieved in only three years and with new initiatives underway and growing investment in rearing equipment, we expect further reductions to follow.”

Chris Lloyd, secretary general for RUMA, said “The gamebird sector is to be congratulated for its progress to date, which has seen not just significant reductions in antibiotic use but positive changes in practice as well.

“What the sector is now experiencing is similar to that seen in other farm animal sectors, where the easier wins have been had and a change of approach is needed to gain the harder reductions.

“However, the united approach, transparency and accountability of sector leaders shows there is determination to overcome these inevitable setbacks. Their continued participation in the Targets Task Force and commitment to work with others to set further reduction targets post-2020 illustrate that the sector is determined to continue making progress.”

6 February 2020

The new licences cover the majority of activity which is undertaken in the English countryside for pest control, crop protection and also satisfy the need to provide control to protect public health.

However, the organisations have told Defra they cannot agree the approach to “protected sites”, home to much of our most important wildlife, where there will be additional licence requirements.  This will be captured by a further Defra consultation this summer.

BASC chief executive Ian Bell said: “The organisations have worked extensively in the background with Defra and we are content that the new, additional general licences issued today will be fit for purpose in many areas but significant concerns remain around protected sites.

“We appreciate that it’s not a perfect situation and there may still be some confusion; the organisations will continue to be on hand to steer our members through. The organisations have told Defra that we expect any gaps to picked up by the consultation in the summer.”

Countryside Alliance chief executive Tim Bonner said: “Whilst we remain very concerned about the initial decision by Natural England to revoke the general licences we are grateful for the Secretary of State’s intervention.

“Since Defra has taken back control of the licences we have seen significant progress and for most people managing most species the situation is now back as it was. The discussion does not, however, stop here and we will seek to resolve the outstanding issues as part of the planned consultation later this year.”

Liam Bell, NGO chairman, said: "Two cheers to Defra for sorting out most of the mess left after NE's licence revocations in April. We reserve our third cheer until they have also addressed the remaining issues in protected sites. The team-working between the shooting organisations has been great on this and a big reason for the turnarounds gained so far. We look forward to playing our part in finishing the job."

Amanda Anderson, director of the Moorland Association, said: “European designated sites will not be covered by these new general licences. If owners or occupiers have not yet applied for an individual licence to carry out vital work to protect chicks, they should.

“We have made the point forcefully to Defra that it is almost beyond belief that precious areas that support incredible bird life are being left out, areas that have been designated for their important birds and habitats. Pest bird control, certainly in the uplands, has been a contributing factor to their success.

“Making conservation in these areas harder to achieve is a disaster for our wildlife. Defra's precautionary approach and EU rules could preside over the extinction of our best loved moorland birds like the curlew, lapwing, golden plover, if a way forward cannot be found.”

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) president, Tim Breitmeyer said: “We are pleased that progress has been made and that the concerns of rural groups have been taken on board. We will keep working collaboratively with Defra and others to help resolve any outstanding issues.

“This includes engaging with the future consultation this summer, ensuring the emergence of a robust and fit-for-purpose licensing system which protects the interests of farming and food production, as well as the conservation of wildlife.”

Game Farmers' Association chairman Dominic Boulton said: "This is good news. Our members will now be able to get back to business and control problem birds as before. Livelihoods had been threatened by NE's revocations but the situation is now much improved."

Sir Jim Paice, GWCT chairman, said: “We must congratulate Defra for producing these new licences so quickly under difficult circumstances. They may not be perfect, but it is clear they carefully considered all 4,000 consultation responses which provided them with the information they needed to reach this stage. The GWCT will continue to work closely with Defra to share our science to ensure those that manage our countryside have the right tools to do the job.”

16 June 2019

Game farmers often control corvids around their laying pens and rearing fields in the spring but once the licences are revoked, that essential protection will become illegal.

NE says that it will introduce a new replacement online system for applying for individual licences, under which some control may still be lawful, but as of now no such system is in place. It is hard to see that it could possibly replace, at speed, the daily use of the General Licences by thousands of farmers, gamekeepers and pest controllers.

GFA Chairman, Dominic Boulton, said it was a disgrace that NE was effectively changing the law at no notice, apparently panicked into an over-reaction by a legal challenge mounted by anti shooting campaigners. (No equivalent revocations have been made in Scotland and Wales, despite their General Licences having exactly the same legal basis).

"We had no more notice of this fiasco than anyone else," said Dominic. "It is exactly the sort of shambles that game farmers could do without at this critical time of year when they are trying to protect eggs and chicks from predation by corvids."

The shooting organisations are working together to get the decision reversed or a workable replacement licensing system in place as soon as possible.

For more information we recommend viewing the websites of BASC, the Countryside Alliance and the National Gamekeepers' Organisation.

24 April 2019

The figures, announced by The Game Farmers’ Association (GFA), have been calculated in collaboration with Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and are based on prescriptions written by gamebird vets throughout the UK. [Note: All antibiotic use must be prescribed by a vet. Gamebirds are reared in the spring and released into the countryside in the summer, which is why the 2018 results are already available].

A spokesman for the GFA said, "A further year of good engagement by the gamebird sector in 2018 has brought overall usage of antibiotics down by another 24% this year. Together with last year’s substantial fall, this confirms that the industry has halved antibiotic use since our voluntary campaign was rolled out in 2016.”

Detailed analysis of the 2018 result shows that in-feed use fell by 35% this year, whilst use of AB in soluble treatments fell by 10%. The difference reflects a continuing focus on treating actual disease outbreaks rather than feeding medicated rations 'just in case', and also the need to treat some late disease outbreaks associated with the excessively hot summer.

Professor Peter Borriello, Chief Executive Officer of the VMD, said:  “Reducing antibiotic use in gamebirds by a further 24% in 2018 and 51% over the last two years is an impressive achievement. The Game Farmers Association should be congratulated for mobilising the industry, as should the game farmers, gamekeepers and their vets for their commitment in bringing down antibiotic use. We encourage everyone to continue this good work.”

Chris Lloyd, Secretary General of Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) , which is coordinating work across all livestock sectors to drive responsible use of antibiotics in the face of worldwide concerns about antimicrobial resistance, said: “We welcome these hugely encouraging results, not least as the continuing falls in antibiotic use in gamebirds have been achieved through a real focus on good management and improved biosecurity.”

The reductions were also welcomed by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), the Countryside Alliance (CA), the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation and the Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association.

Jack Knott, Countryside Alliance Campaigns Manager, said, "The whole shooting community can be justifiably proud of the progress made over the past two years, but we must ensure that this is only the end of the beginning. These excellent results must encourage us to keep driving down the use of antibiotics."

Glynn Evans, BASC's head of game and deer management, said: "These are encouraging results due to the whole sector working together. It is important that we continue to keep up the momentum. This year's performance is another significant step in the campaign to continue reducing antibiotic use."

The lessons learned from this year’s gamebird rearing season will be collated during November at a meeting of specialist vets and representatives of the game feed trade, hosted by the Game Farmers’ Association. Advice arising from that meeting will be provided free of charge to all game rearers in pursuit of further antibiotic reductions next year.

For details of other winners and the runners up, visit Antiboitic Guardian Awards 2018 Awards website.

On 21st May, the Game Farmers’ Association hosted two important fact-finding visits. The first was for a team of officials from Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) who in particular deal with outbreaks of notifiable avian diseases such as Bird Flu.

During incursions of these diseases into the UK, not only do game farmers have the worry that their birds might become infected, they also have to contend with control measures such as movement bans and orders to separate kept birds from wild birds. These rules are often inevitably designed for the much larger poultry sector and not always appropriate for game.

The officials were shown how gamebird production necessarily differs from indoor poultry and how restrictions and licensing decisions can help or hinder the game sector, worth a staggering £2.2 billion to the UK economy each year.

The second visit was by officials from mainland Europe working to reduce antibiotics across all livestock sectors. Two were from DG Sante, the EU department of animal health, whilst others work within EU member states; France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The experts included individuals from Italy and Ireland.

Antibiotic reduction is essential to preserve these vitally important medications for human and animal health and the visitors were keen to hear how the GFA is spearheading a successful campaign to bring AB use down throughout the UK gamebird sector. Good bird management and hygiene are key starting points for AB reduction and it is therefore no surprise that during these two important visits, biosecurity was tight.

The GFA hosts similar fact-finding visits for politician and officials whenever they may help the long term future of the game farming profession.

Figures endorsed by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) have been released today showing that antibiotics used in gamebirds were brought down voluntarily by 36% in 2017 compared to 2016, including a 53% reduction for those administered in gamebird food. (Gamebirds are reared in the spring, which is why the 2017 results are already available).

The 36% fall comfortably exceeds the 25% official reduction target for gamebirds in 2017, developed by the sector and agreed by the VMD earlier this year. The actual reduction was calculated from veterinary prescribing records. Vets are responsible for prescribing all antibiotics administered to gamebirds.

The encouraging results come at a time when all livestock sectors have been asked by Government to reduce their use of antibiotics in the face of global concerns about antimicrobial resistance – the evolution of bugs that will not respond to treatment with antibiotics.

A spokesman for the above shooting and gamebird management organisations said, “These large reductions have been achieved voluntarily and in just one year through the hard work of game farmers, gamekeepers, the veterinary profession and the game feed trade. We welcome today’s results as an excellent start to our continuing campaign for antibiotic reduction.”

Professor Peter Borriello, Chief Executive Officer of the VMD, said, “The significant reductions achieved in 2017, the same year that the sector started to collect and scrutinise its antibiotic usage data, highlight the strong commitment of the game bird industry to bring down antibiotic use. The reductions achieved in 2017 are to be highly commended, and are an encouragement to all to continue the good work.”

John Fitzgerald, General Secretary of RUMA (Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance), whose conference, ‘Facing Up to the Antimicrobial Resistance Challenge’ was held in London today, said, “We congratulate our colleagues in the game sector on their excellent 2017 antibiotic reduction results. The enthusiasm and commitment with which the whole sector has engaged with this process is exemplary and we have every confidence that they will achieve further reductions in future years.”

Antibiotics are used in gamebird rearing, as in other livestock sectors, for the treatment of natural diseases. Their use is sometimes essential for welfare reasons but administration of antibiotics can be reduced through good biosecurity and correct management, in close liaison with specialist vets.

The lessons learned from this year’s gamebird rearing season will be collated during November at a meeting of vets being hosted by the Game Farmers’ Association. Advice arising from that meeting will be provided free of charge to all game rearers in anticipation of further antibiotic reductions next year.

The visitors were from Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency, which together work to keep the country free from Bird Flu and oversee its eradication when outbreaks occur.

Bird Flu is a notifiable disease currently circulating world-wide in various forms. It can affect all birds, captive or wild, and is often fatal, costing bird farmers dearly. Outbreaks impact on trade and some strains can also pass to humans, although this is rare. The Government has strict rules for eradication and for keeping birds in ways that reduce the risk of outbreaks.

The visit was an opportunity to build on the excellent cooperation that exists between Government and the gamebird sector. Discussion subjects included the restrictions that can apply on game farms during outbreaks and also best practice for keeping pheasants through the winter for egg production.

A GFA spokesman said, "This was a valuable 'peacetime' visit to review the overall disease situation and the often complex regulations that apply. It was also useful for more Government officials to see first-hand a game farm in operation and the measures that are constantly in place to minimise infection."