It is really important to carefully consider the implications of this option 3 before choosing it.
This option involves signing a declaration form issued by APHA which confirms that you will not undertake any secondary C&D activities on the affected holding. This means that the holding will remain under restriction for 12 months and you will not be able to keep birds during this period.
Impacts on your farm business and the wider industry
The restrictions are also likely to impact movements of other animal species on and off the holding, including to market and slaughter, as well as the operations of other agricultural or co-located businesses.
It may mean that other products, including grain, or feedstuffs or bedding may not be moved on or off the farm whilst under restriction, which can cause significant disruption at business-critical times. Animals may often only be moved on or off the premises under licenses issued by APHA.
It is really important not to underestimate the possible impact of continued restrictions on your holding during the 12-month period, the full extent of which is often realised until business-critical issues arise.
At the time of writing, it is virtually impossible to revoke a declaration for option 3, should you choose to undertake either of the secondary C&D options at a later stage. This should not be considered a suitable contingency to manage business-critical issues, due to the uncertainty, time and resources it takes to manage.
On a national level, option 3 holdings that remain under restrictions for 12 months delay any changes to the AI disease status. In years with fewer outbreaks and a shorter AI outbreak period, this could impact the wider sector and the international trade of birds and avian products.
Return to:
Disclaimer