Veterinary advice and poultry health

So much of disease prevention can be based on the selection of the appropriate breed, good nutrition, husbandry and environment. The avoidance of overstocking linked to controlled pasture rotation goes a long way to control many of the diseases of intensification . This is well summarised by the Farm Animal Welfare Council as positive welfare . 

In the UK all veterinary medicines must be used in accordance with their UK product licence or as directed by the prescribing veterinary surgeon. Withdrawal times from the last day of treatment to the day of slaughter shall be at least double that time laid down in the product licence and shall not be less than 14 days in the case of controlled drugs or prescription-only medication (POM). The EU regulations stipulate twice the legal withdrawal period or, in the case of it not being specified, a 48-hour withdrawal. 

Treatment with organophosphorus compounds excludes chicken from being sold as an organic product. Under the EU regulation, with the exception of vaccinations or any compulsory eradication schemes established by member states, a flock of poultry receiving one course of treatment with a chemically synthesised allopathic product or antibiotic may not be sold as organic. 

In the UK vaccination is permitted where there is a known disease risk. Vaccine choice and programming should be agreed with the veterinary surgeon to ensure adequate disease protection and where possible a progressive reduction in use as the organic unit becomes established. 

MAFF publishes useful codes of practice on heat stress, litter conditions and other 

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