Secondary cleansing and disinfection – Option 3 after an AI outbreak on farm

Use our Secondary C&D decision tool to help you find the best option for your farm business.

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.

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Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided on these web pages is guidance only and does not constitute specific legal or professional advice for your individual business.

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy at the date of publication of the information and the content provided in these webpages, no representation is made as to their correctness or completeness. The NFU does not accept liability arising from any inaccuracies, be the errors or omissions, contained within these web pages.

If you require specific advice or assistance with the completion of your secondary C&D plans, then you my wish to contact your private Veterinary Officer, APHA Case Officer or NFU CallFirst on 0370 835 8458. For legal or professional advice in relation to your secondary C&D plans, please contact NFU CallFirst, who can also refer you to an NFU Panel Firm of solicitors.