Exploring the responses of smallscale poultry keepers to avian influenza regulations and guidance in the United Kingdom, with recommendations for improved biosecurity messaging

Jewitt, Sarah; Smallman-Raynor, Matthew; McClaughlin, Emma; Clark, Michael; Dunham, Stephen; Elliott, Sol; Munro, Alastair; Parnell, Tamsin; Tarlinton, Rachael

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19211

Heliyon

2023

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19211

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Exploring the responses of smallscale poultry keepers to avian influenza regulations and guidance in the United Kingdom, with recommendations for improved biosecurity messaging

Sarah Jewitt,

Matthew Smallman-Raynor,

Emma McClaughlin

et al.

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2024

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Cited by 5 publications

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Veterinarians’ knowledge and experience of avian influenza and perspectives on control measures in the UK

Jewitt,

McClaughlin,

Elliott

et al. 2024

Veterinary Record

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BackgroundThe scale of the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in 2021–23 due to the influenza A/H5N1 virus is unprecedented.MethodsAn online survey was designed to explore veterinarians’ experiences of and confidence in treating avian species, experiences of dealing with suspected HPAI and perspectives on control measures in the UK. The survey ran between December 2021 and March 2022.ResultsSurvey responses were received from 26 veterinarians. Although veterinarians are well placed to communicate HPAI‐related information and guidance, a lack of confidence around treating birds and dealing with suspected cases of HPAI represent key barriers for non‐specialist practices, and this limits opportunities to educate clients.LimitationsThis study presents the views of a small group of self‐selected respondents and may over‐represent veterinarians with existing interests in avian species and/or avian influenza and who engage with online fora.ConclusionsImproved training and resources designed to increase confidence with avian species, along with guidance on diagnosing and reporting notifiable diseases, are needed for first opinion practices. Governing bodies should clarify regulations on treating birds in veterinary practices when HPAI outbreak numbers are high.

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Veterinarians’ knowledge and experience of avian influenza and perspectives on control measures in the UK

Jewitt,

McClaughlin,

Elliott

et al. 2024

Veterinary Record

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Survey of the husbandry and biosecurity practices of backyard chicken keepers in the UK

Baldrey,

Ragoonanan,

Bacon

2024

Veterinary Record

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BackgroundThis survey investigated the housing, feeding, health and welfare of backyard chickens kept in the UK.MethodsInformation was collected via an online questionnaire active from May to July 2021. The survey asked about flock demographics, housing, diet, enrichment provision, if the flock was registered with the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) and the reason, preventative health care and biosecurity, and the incidence and methods of euthanasia.ResultsThe majority of flocks (48.8%) consisted of one to five birds, were located in rural areas (58%) and were kept as pets (77%) and/or for eggs (71.6%). Enrichment was provided by 78.4% of keepers. Most respondents (69%) were aware of the Animal Plant and Health Agency poultry registration scheme, with 32.8% being registered with the scheme. Kitchen scraps were fed by 29% of keepers. Veterinary services were used by 63.6% of keepers, although 4% said they struggled to find a veterinarian willing to treat backyard poultry. New additions to the flock were isolated by 70.2% of keepers.LimitationsThe survey was distributed through poultry‐specific Facebook groups and via chicken rescue centres, so it is not a truly random sample of backyard chicken keepers. All survey‐based studies have an inherent element of subjectivity.ConclusionsThe survey identified biosecurity, humane euthanasia training, veterinary training in backyard poultry medicine, and enrichment provision as areas where improvements can be made to improve poultry health and welfare and reduce the risks of infectious disease transmission.

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UK flockdown: A survey of smallscale poultry keepers and their understanding of governmental guidance on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)

McClaughlin,

Elliott,

Jewitt

et al. 2024

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

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Exploring the responses of smallscale poultry keepers to avian influenza regulations and guidance in the United Kingdom, with recommendations for improved biosecurity messaging

Cited by 5 publications

References 38 publications

Veterinarians’ knowledge and experience of avian influenza and perspectives on control measures in the UK

Veterinarians’ knowledge and experience of avian influenza and perspectives on control measures in the UK

Survey of the husbandry and biosecurity practices of backyard chicken keepers in the UK

UK flockdown: A survey of smallscale poultry keepers and their understanding of governmental guidance on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)

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