SEPRA News
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- Mike Brown
- Newcastle Disease
- Egg Washing
- Hendrix Bovans Goldline
- Bird flu
- New Feed Mill
- Food Hygiene Regulations
Mike Brown
One of the advantages, if that’s the correct word, of being retired and working at the same time for SEPRA is that I am in contact with so many people. This week Muriel and I went across to Doune and went for lunch with Mike Brown, also retired. We blethered for the whole of the visit about old names and incidents from ‘way back. It was a most interesting exchange!
We collected Mike at his house and saw once more his lemon tree. I first saw it years ago, but it has grown a bit! It now takes up nearly the whole window in one room and I counted 23 lemons hanging on the branches. Best of all Mike had baked for us and we enjoyed, along with our coffee, his own lemon cake. Delicious. Mike is looking very well and sent his regards to all.
Newcastle Disease
I received the following from SEERAD and is self explanatory.
On 15 July 2005 the UK reported to the OIE an outbreak of Newcastle Disease in pheasants on a single game bird rearing premises, in Surrey, in the south east of England.
Six months have passed since the culling of the birds in the affected premises, in Surrey was completed. There have been no further outbreaks in the United Kingdom. Consequently, as from today, Monday, 23 January 2006, the United Kingdom is now considered free from Newcastle Disease under the terms of Article 2.7.13.2 of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2005 edition)
Egg washing
I also received the result of an EU enquiry regarding the washing of eggs for human consumption.
As you know, at present, this practice is banned in the UK.
The Report said that there are options that can reduce the risks to consumers associated with washing of eggs. These include:
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Preventing Salmonella. infection, especially S. Enteritidis, in primary layer production will reduce the occurrence of Salmonella. in eggs, especially on the surface of the eggs, and thereby reducing the risks associated with egg washing. If Salmonella. is not present, any risks associated with potential damage to the cuticle from washing, will be much lower compared with a situation where the birds may be infected with Salmonella.
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The risks associated with egg washing can be reduced by the adoption of defined best washing practice procedures at all times. In countries where the washing of Class A eggs is permitted,like in USA, the process is carried out using on-line systems whereby all eggs destined for Class A are treated. The process is undertaken immediately prior to grading and packing.
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Prompt and thorough drying of eggs after washing and before packing is important to avoid mould growth and bacterial trans-shell penetration.
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Oiling the cuticular surface of the egg which seals the shell pores can help to maintain the internal quality of eggs during storage and can thereby reduce the risk associated with washing.
According to the information provided by Sweden, washed eggs had lower microbial counts on the shell surface than unwashed eggs and no movement of microbes from the shell to the content was reported following washing process. However, no data were provided regarding whether the particular Swedish washing process caused any damage to the shell cuticle. Moreover, specification of the maximum holding time for eggs prior to washing and of the maximum iron content for the water was not given.
In Sweden, consumer preference is weighted in favour of washed eggs and the Swedish authorities point out that to ensure egg safety, the process must be conducted under the strictest rules with regard to operation of apparatus. "
The evaluation of advantages and disadvantages of egg washing need to be related to a particular system of washing. If well done, there are clear advantages to egg washing because of the reduced microbial load, but poor practices increase the risk. The greatest risk in relation to egg washing is penetration of the egg by Salmonella . Thus, in countries where the Salmonella prevalence in layers is very low, the risk of egg washing will also be lower. Taking into account the very low prevalence of Salmonella in Swedish egg production, the risk associated with egg washing using the current system under strict rules is considered to be outweighed by the advantages of egg washing.
This study would appear to come out in favour of egg washing, provided, the washing is carried out under strict rules.
Also it appears to me that the proper and correct machinery would be required by the egg packer.
Could this be yet another method of removing another level of egg producers ?
I believe this enquiry and its findings should be watched carefully. Most carefully !
Hendrix Bovans Goldline
He’s back. Mike Willshaw, after 11 years with Bibby and ABN, Mike has returned to the poultry industry after a few months rest.
Following the success of the Bovans Goldline in the UK, Mike Willshaw has joined Farm Fresh Hatcheries. He will work with Bill Kirkham to provide the best day old and point of lay pullets in the market. Farm Fresh Hatcheries have been SEPRA members for many years now.
Mike said “ From our hatchery at Preston we are confident that we can provide a quality, fully vaccinated, Bovans Goldline product for all systems, day old or point of lay, throughout Scotland.
Together with the increased commitment of Hendrix in the U.K. and using the very latest genetic developments, we have the best bird for all production systems.
If you want further information, including technical specifications and production figures of the Bovans Goldline, you can contact Mike on his mobile number 07900 933074 or Farm Fresh Hatcheries 132 Blackgate Lane, Tarleton, Preston Lancashire, telephone number 01772 814081
Bird flu
Though Avian Influenza continues to be given media attention every week, I thought the BBC Landward programme dealt with it sensibly. I also thought SEPRA member Ian Niven spoke very well and reassuringly.
One of the side stories about A I tells of a recent meeting between Bush, Blair and Chirac. They were there to discuss Bush’s idea of bombing the Canary Islands.
The Times ran a supplement this week ’ On a wing and a prayer.’
Besides the normal killer picture of live hens being put into plastic bags, it also said
“As the virus spreads and heads our way. “ and posed the question Am I going to get it ?
The Press have a lot to blame for the public’s concept and fear of a virus that so far has not reached the UK. We have had H5N1 here some years back in turkeys but due mainly to the fact that we don’t ‘live’ with our hens, there should be little danger of a flu pandemic.
I am told also that those of you calling on egg producers are continually asked about bird flu. It is a worry but one hyped up, I believe. Nevertheless we should be vigilant and careful and take normal biosecurity measures.
New animal feed compound mill
Anyone who has travelled down the M74 about the Lesmahgow area will have seen the brand new building that has grown on the west side ? A new animal feed mill.
The Princess Royal officially opened the Mill on Wednesday. Harbro Ltd’s new £3.7 million animal feed plant is on a 10-acre greenfield site at Birkhill, Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire.
Her Royal Highness was welcomed by Harbro chairman, Peter Kenyon, and managing director, Graham Baxter, before being conducted on a tour of the state-of-the-art plant which is the first to be completed on the new 82-acre Birkhill Commercial Park.
Features of the plant, which is located just off the main M74 Glasgow-Carlisle motorway at junction 11, include traditional animal feed manufacture with two storage and distribution sheds covering an area of 75,000 sq ft.
The investment demonstrates Aberdeenshire-based Harbro’s strong commitment to the livestock industry and will provide the springboard to increasing market share in the South-west of Scotland and North-west of England.
Quite a change to the news that BOCM are to close their Renfrew mill, though they shall be continuing to have their feeds produced by other Mills in Scotland.
Food Hygiene (Scotland) Regulations 2006
I have just this morning received a twelve page document from the Food Standards Agency giving details of The Food Hygiene (Scotland) Regulations 2006 SSI. 2006/03.
I have only had a quick glance through the document but two stuck out and I believe these two points will concern many members ?
Annex II, Chapter II, (1)(a):
In rooms where food is prepared (etc), the design and layout are to permit good food hygiene practices. In particular (for example), floor surfaces are to be maintained in a sound condition (etc). This will require the use of certain materials, unless FBOs( Food Business Operators ) can satisfy the CA ( Competent Authority) that other materials used are appropriate.
7. Annex II, Chapter II, (1)(b):
In rooms where food is prepared (etc), the design and layout are to permit good food hygiene practices. In particular (for example), wall surfaces are to be maintained in a sound condition (etc). This will require the use of certain materials, unless FBOs can satisfy the CA that other materials used are appropriate.
I may be in a position next week to give you more news and details about this Directive.
I fear for the future of the small egg producer and as I mentioned earlier about egg washing the future does not bear thinking about ?
Dennis Surgenor
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