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Chicken Standards

ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE Version 5.1 (modified)

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CH.AH.1 CH.AH.2 CH.AH.4 CH.AH.4.4 CH.AH.5 CH.AH.6 CH.AH.7.1 CH.AH.7.2 CH.AH.8 CH.AH.9 CH.AH.9.2 CH.AH.10.2
Glossary

Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)

Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification

New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to

Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before

Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard

Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.

R This icon indicates that a record is required.

CH.AH.1 Key

A Flock Health Plan to proactively manage and improve health and welfare of birds must be established and implemented

How you will be measured

CH.AH.1.a

Is specific to a farm or group of farms under same company’s control

CH.AH.1.b

Is prepared and reviewed by the vet that has overall responsibility for the care of the animals

CH.AH.1.d

Contains a strategy for the prevention and control of common diseases

CH.AH.1.e

Sets out health and husbandry procedures covering the whole of the production cycle/year

CH.AH.1.f

Sets out a vaccination programme, which is tailored to the needs of the farm

CH.AH.1.g

Is available to all members of staff who have responsibility for birds
R

Flock Health Plan

CH.AH.2

Records of the health and performance of all birds must be maintained

How you will be measured

CH.AH.2.a

Records are present for current and previous flock/hatchery cycles

CH.AH.2.b

Records are up to date

CH.AH.2.d

- Any problems or extraordinary events - Veterinary advice

CH.AH.2.e

Injury and cull records for each hatching day
R

Health and performance records

CH.AH.4

The health and welfare of birds must be met at all times

How you will be measured

CH.AH.4.a

Any health or welfare issues have been detected and are being managed

CH.AH.4.4

Where eggs are hatched on-farm, eggs are monitored regularly during hatching

CH.AH.5

The health and welfare of birds must be checked regularly

How you will be measured

CH.AH.5.a

Regular checks looking for signs of illness, injury and stress
R

Flock inspection records

CH.AH.6 Key

Birds must be handled in a way that avoids injury and minimises stress

CH.AH.7.1

There must be a named Welfare Officer who is responsible for co-ordinating welfare on-farm/in the hatchery

How you will be measured

CH.AH.7.1.a

The Welfare Officer's name and contact number are displayed on farm/in the hatchery

CH.AH.7.1.b

The Welfare Officer is responsible for: - liaison with vets, Defra, APHA - ensuring all staff are fully trained in welfare issues - monitoring welfare policies, procedures and standards

CH.AH.7.2 Key

All poultry farms/hatcheries must retain the services of a named veterinary surgeon or practice

CH.AH.8 Key

Sick or injured birds/chicks must receive prompt attention in order that suffering is not prolonged

How you will be measured

CH.AH.8.a

If mortality by house exceeds 0.3% in a 24 hour period the cause is investigated

CH.AH.9 Key

Birds that do not respond to treatment or require emergency euthanasia must be promptly and humanely euthanased by a trained and competent person

How you will be measured

CH.AH.9.d

Decision to euthanase made by a trained and competent person

CH.AH.9.e

Euthanasia carried out in accordance with a documented method that is recommended by the Humane Slaughter Association, at no more than 15 minute intervals

CH.AH.9.f

In-shell embryos are macerated in accordance with relevant legislation

CH.AH.9.g

Unviable chicks are identified and euthanased

CH.AH.9.h

Staff that euthanase chicks are trained

CH.AH.9.2

All equipment used for euthanasia of birds, chicks and embryos must be inspected daily by trained and competent staff to ensure it is working effectively

CH.AH.10.2

Hatcheries must be monitored for Salmonella

How you will be measured

CH.AH.10.2.a

Tests are carried out in a Government authorised laboratory
R

Salmonella testing records kept for two years

Where to find help
  • Guidance on animal health and disease can be found at www.nadis.org.uk
  • Defra have produced a guide to the Poultry Breeding Flocks and Hatcheries Order 2007 and National Control Programme for Salmonella in breeding flocks
  • The Humane Slaughter Association provide information on euthanasia on their website www.hsa.org.uk

More Standards

Beef & Lamb

Crops & Sugar Beet

Dairy

Dairy Goats

Ducks

Fresh Produce

Pigs

Turkeys
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