Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 5th November 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Concerns over new rules for poultry slaughter
turkeys
If parameters are not set and implemented correctly, some birds could be immobilised rather than stunned before slaughter.
Lack of stunning parameters could compromise welfare - BVA
 
A gap in new regulations for poultry slaughter could compromise animal welfare, the BVA has said.

The Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (WATOK) Regulations come into force today (5 November). While they have been generally welcomed, the BVA is concerned that the new rules do not include stunning parameters for poultry killed 'in accordance with religious rites'.

This could result in a percentage of birds being immobilised rather than stunned, meaning they are still conscious at the time of slaughter.

BVA's president Sean Wensley said this omission "undermines the science the regulations are built upon".

European laws on welfare at slaughter include rules on stunning, based on work carried out by the European Food Safety Authority to assess the parameters for electrical water bath stunning of poultry.

BVA has previously called for European legislation to be fully implemented through WATOK. There is a high risk that if the parameters in electrical water bath stunning are not correctly set and implemented for birds killed 'in accordance with religious rites', then stunning will be ineffective in some birds.

"It is difficult to see how effective stunning can be assured for all poultry if parameters are not set when poultry are killed in accordance with religious rites," Mr Wensley commented.

"Slaughtermen, official veterinarians and animal welfare officers in abattoirs are not able to tell the difference between birds that have been effectively stunned and those that are just electro-mobilised, thus compromising the animal welfare standards that these regulations are being put in place to protect."

The BVA has written to Defra to seek urgent clarification on how the new legislation will ensure effective stunning for all poultry before slaughter.

These concerns aside, the BVA has largely welcomed the regulations, which contain new provisions to improve welfare at slaughter, such as the introduction of certificates of competence and the requirement for large slaughterhouses to have an animal welfare officer.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.