Sheep in Yorkshire Tests Positive for Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza Detected in Sheep in Yorkshire: A First for the UK

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed a case of avian influenza (H5N1) in a single sheep in Yorkshire. This case was identified following routine surveillance of livestock co-located on a premises where avian influenza had previously been confirmed in captive birds. The infected sheep was humanely culled to enable extensive testing, and further testing of the remaining flock revealed no additional cases of the virus.

This marks the first time that avian influenza has been reported in a sheep, although similar cases have been detected in livestock in other countries. Despite this, there is no evidence to suggest an increased risk to the UK’s livestock population. The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is urging all livestock keepers to remain vigilant and maintain good biosecurity to prevent the spread of the disease.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and poses a very low risk to public health. The Food Standards Agency has also reassured the public that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, remain safe to eat.

Original story: Gov.uk

Sainsbury’s and Cranswick Forge 10-Year Supply Partnership

Sainsbury’s has strengthened its relationship with meat and poultry giant Cranswick through a new 10-year supply agreement. Under this deal, Cranswick will provide all of Sainsbury’s British pork, sausages, premium bacon, gammon, and cooked meats.

This partnership aims to offer longer-term contracts and greater financial stability for the 170 farmers who supply Cranswick via the Sainsbury’s Pork Producer Group. The companies believe this will give farmers the confidence to invest in farms, factories, and procedures, thereby building resilience for the future.

The collaboration is also set to enhance welfare standards for the By Sainsbury’s British pork range, exceeding Red Tractor standards while maintaining great value for customers. The Taste the Difference pork range will continue to meet the RSPCA Assured standard, as it has for the past 17 years.

Rhian Bartlett, Sainsbury’s chief commercial officer, highlighted the benefits of the partnership: “This 10-year partnership with Cranswick means that we are able to place a bigger focus on animal welfare, financial security for our farmers, and sustainable production of our pork range; all while protecting value for customers.”

Sainsbury’s plans to invest £50 million to implement new production standards by 2030, with Cranswick contributing an additional £11 million to build new sheds and housing for pigs. This includes investment in flexible farrowing accommodation, providing extra space for sows and piglets.

The introduction of AI technology will enable 24/7 monitoring of the animals, informing improvements to welfare. Jim Brisby, Cranswick’s chief commercial officer, stated, “The purpose of the new partnership is to provide a total supply chain approach delivering a robust and differentiated consumer offer across British pork-related categories including fresh joints and steaks, sausages, cooked meats, and premium bacon and gammon.”

Bartlett added, “There is an ever-evolving relationship between retailers, farmers, and processors, but we hope this news serves as a good example of what is possible when people come together in the food system.”

Original story: The Grocer

China Renews U.S. Meat Export Licenses

Beijing has renewed registrations for hundreds of U.S. pork and poultry facilities, allowing them to continue exporting to China.

This move comes as a relief to U.S. farmers and meat companies, who have been navigating trade disputes with major agricultural importers, including China and Canada.

The renewals, which extend until 2030, were confirmed on China’s customs website. However, registrations for hundreds of U.S. beef facilities remain listed as “expired.” This situation has left U.S. exporters uncertain about the future of their shipments, as registrations for more than 1,000 U.S. meat plants granted under the 2020 “Phase 1” trade deal lapsed on Sunday.

The “Phase 1” trade deal, signed in 2020, aimed to end the previous U.S.-China trade war with a pledge from Beijing to boost its purchases of U.S. goods and services, including meat, by $200 billion over two years. Despite this agreement, China did not reach the target, which was set shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Shipments from facilities with lapsed registrations have continued to clear customs, but U.S. exporters remain unsure how long this will last. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has expressed concerns that China did not respond to repeated requests to renew plant registrations, potentially violating the Phase 1 agreement.

The renewals for pork and poultry are a positive development, but the uncertainty surrounding beef exports continues to pose challenges for U.S. meat producers.

Original story: Reuters

Newcastle Disease Spreads in Polish Poultry

Poland continues to grapple with Newcastle disease, as three more poultry flocks have been infected. On March 11, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed the presence of the disease in two flocks in Radomyśl Wielki and one flock in Unieck. The Unieck farm had 144,326 susceptible birds, while the Radomyśl Wielki flocks had 24,170 and 13,486 birds.

WOAH described the birds in these flocks as domestic poultry. Control measures being applied include stamping out, movement control, disinfection, zoning, surveillance within the restricted zone, traceability, and official destruction of animal products.

These new instances bring the total number of poultry flocks in Poland affected by Newcastle disease to 37 since WOAH first reported on the situation in 2024. Collectively, these 37 flocks have included 4,917,499 birds.

Currently, WOAH has active reports on Newcastle disease in three countries: Poland, Slovenia, and Israel. Sweden had earlier been dealing with an outbreak, but WOAH reported in January that the situation there had been resolved.

Original story: WATTPoultry

U.S. Meat Exports to China Threatened as Export Registrations Lapse

Beijing, March 17 (Reuters) – Export registrations for over 1,000 U.S. meat plants granted by China under the 2020 “Phase 1” trade deal lapsed on Sunday, according to China’s customs website. This development poses a significant threat to U.S. exports to the world’s largest buyer amid an ongoing tariff standoff.

The registration status for pork, beef, and poultry plants across the U.S., including those owned by major producers Tyson Foods, Smithfield Packaged Meats, and Cargill Meat Solutions, was changed from “effective” to “expired,” as reported by China’s General Administration of Customs. Reuters had previously reported on Friday that these registrations were at risk of lapsing.

The expiration of registrations for roughly two-thirds of the total registered facilities could severely restrict U.S. market access and potentially lead to losses of approximately $5 billion. This situation adds to the challenges faced by American farmers, especially after Beijing imposed retaliatory tariffs on about $21 billion worth of American farm goods earlier this month.

While registrations for around 84 U.S. plants lapsed in February, shipments from these plants continue to clear customs. However, it remains uncertain how long China will allow these imports to continue. Beijing requires food exporters to register with customs to sell their products in China, making the registration process crucial for maintaining market access.

This development could have significant implications for the U.S. meat industry and its trade relations with China.

Original story: Reuters

AIMS Calls on DHSC to Review FSA’s Meat Inspection System

AIMS Calls on DHSC to Review FSA’s Meat Inspection System

On the day the Chancellor meets with leading regulators to discuss reducing business burdens and promoting growth, the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has published a report titled “A Strategic Review of Cost-Saving Opportunities in the FSA’s Meat Inspection System.” The report identifies up to £22 million per annum in potential savings through a detailed analysis of the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) current cost structure.

Dr. Jason Aldiss, Executive Director of AIMS, highlighted longstanding issues with the FSA’s third-party contractor: “We have known for a long time that the third-party contractor used by the FSA has failed to deliver the staff and levels of service required by the contract, resulting in at least £1.7 million in additional payments without any sign of service improvements.”

The report reveals wasteful duplication of managerial structures between the FSA and its contractor, attributed to a lack of effective ministerial oversight for many years. This inefficiency has burdened the meat and poultry processing sector with excessive charges and costly administrative burdens, placing the UK at a disadvantage compared to other livestock processing countries.

Dr. Aldiss pointed out that the UK’s meat inspection costs are significantly higher than those in comparable European countries such as France and Ireland, with businesses paying up to four times more than their EU counterparts.

At a time when the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), which sponsors this arm’s length quango, is looking to recover wasted taxpayer money, and the UK Government is focused on growing the economy through exports and controlling inflation, the FSA’s meat inspection system and associated costs have risen unchecked. AIMS urges the Secretary of State to review their report and meet with them at the earliest opportunity.

This call for action underscores the need for a strategic review to ensure the meat inspection system is both efficient and cost-effective, benefiting the industry and the economy as a whole.

UK Butchers Grapple with Unprecedented Beef Price Hikes

The beef industry is facing a significant challenge as prices continue to soar, with deadweight prices fast approaching £7 per kg and liveweight prices nearing £3000 per head.

This situation is causing concern among butchers and processors, who fear that the current pricing is unsustainable and could lead to serious problems in the future.

Grant Moir, managing director of AK Stoddart, has expressed his worries about the disconnect between farm-gate prices and the actual market value. He warns that a correction by retailers could have a detrimental impact on the industry. Since Christmas, the price of finished cattle has seen substantial increases, with values jumping by 15p per deadweight kg per week, according to AHDB figures. There is growing speculation that prices may break the £7 per kg barrier by the end of March.

John Carlisle from Border Meats highlights the impending price hikes on supermarket shelves, which have not yet been reflected in retail prices. He notes that the previous margins in the beef trade have been wiped out, and the supply chain cannot continue to absorb the high farm-gate prices. Some butchers have already raised their prices, but this has affected footfall in their shops. Carlisle points out that the cost of purchasing cattle has increased by £600 per head since Christmas, and consumers may need to pay 50% more for beef, rather than the 10% rise currently seen on shelves.

The potential price increase could see typical sirloin steaks sold in supermarkets rise from £28 per kg to £42, and weekend deals like two steaks for £10 could jump to £15. This could lead consumers to seek alternative meal options.

Farmer and Forres butcher Jock Gibson adds that if farmers and processors need £7 per kg to maintain their operations, consumers will have to pay more than they currently do. However, he is uncertain whether consumers and the food service sector are willing to accept these higher prices. Gibson warns that the industry may resort to importing beef to fill the gap if domestic prices continue to rise.

Original story: The Northern Farmer

China’s Huaxi Cattle Breed to Make International Debut

China’s Huaxi Cattle Breed to Make International Debut in Laos

BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) — China’s “Huaxi cattle” breed will make its first international appearance under a beef cattle breeding cooperation project with Laos, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences announced on Friday.

The project, signed in Vientiane earlier this week, will see China export 100,000 doses of frozen semen and 10 breeding bulls of the Huaxi cattle to Laos. The goal is to enhance the efficiency of beef cattle breeding and cultivate high-quality breeds in the Southeast Asian nation, according to the academy.

“This marks an important step for China’s beef cattle breeding industry into the global market, laying a solid foundation for its international development,” the academy stated.

The Huaxi cattle breed is the result of over four decades of research efforts and offers rapid growth, high-quality meat, and strong adaptability, with performance metrics matching international advanced levels. A mature bull weighs up to approximately 900 kg.

Some 23,400 Huaxi cattle have been bred across 12 Chinese provincial-level regions, supported by an advanced breeding database in addition to a network of breeding farms and bull stations, the academy reported.

Original story: Xinhua

Warwickshire Abattoir Under Investigation

Warwickshire Abattoir Under Investigation Following Allegations of Animal Welfare Violations

Authorities are investigating serious allegations raised in a recent media article regarding an abattoir in Warwickshire. The claims have prompted a thorough investigation by local law enforcement and relevant agencies.

Detective Chief Inspector David Andrews stated, “Following our visit on Monday 3 March, we are working with partners including the Home Office and Food Standards Agency to take appropriate action regarding the issues identified. Since our visit, and in light of the footage shared by the Independent, which we believe was filmed in July 2024, we can confirm that we have recorded a suspected offence of unnecessary suffering to a protected animal under animal welfare legislation.”

DCI Andrews emphasised that while the investigation into animal welfare is underway, further details cannot be disclosed to avoid jeopardising any future proceedings.

Inspector Andi Gibbons from the North Warwickshire Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) reassured the community, stating, “Our safer neighbourhood officers will continue to engage with the community and we wish to reassure you that these matters are being dealt with. If you do have concerns, please reach out to our team.”

Residents can find their local SNT, their priorities, and contact information by typing their postcode into the interactive map on the Warwickshire Police website. Additionally, regular updates about local policing can be received by signing up to the Warwickshire Connected community messaging service.

Warwickshire Police

UK Butchers Sharpen Skills for Paris Challenge

UK Butchers Prepare for World Butchers’ Challenge at East Sussex’s Plumpton College

Team GB is sharpening its knives and skills at Plumpton College in East Sussex, as the country’s top butchers gear up for the prestigious World Butchers’ Challenge (WBC)—dubbed the “Olympics of Meat”.

The international competition, to be held in Paris in less than a month, will test teams on their butchery skills, creativity, and presentation under intense time constraints.

What Is the World Butchers’ Challenge?

The World Butchers’ Challenge brings together elite butchers from across the globe to showcase their craftsmanship in a three-and-a-half-hour challenge, turning entire carcasses into a world-class display of meat cuts, value-added products, and charcuterie.

This high-profile event not only spotlights butchery as a skilled trade, but also supports local communities. All meat processed during training and the competition is donated to local food banks, reflecting the industry’s ongoing commitment to reducing food waste and supporting families in need.

Team GB Training at Plumpton College

Plumpton College, known for its state-of-the-art butchery training facilities, has hosted Team GB for over a year. The college has played a key role in the team’s preparation, offering space and equipment for dress rehearsals and technical training.

“For us, it’s a chance to promote our industry at the highest level, and to promote the UK and the UK meat industry to the world,” said Team GB captain Ben Tindale.

Vice-captain Elsie Yardley added: “There’s no buzz like it. The energy and pride in representing your country is unmatched.”

Butchery Skills in High Demand

Principal Jeremy Kerswell of Plumpton College expressed pride in supporting Team GB, noting the broader significance of the competition:

“We’ve seen massive growth in our apprenticeship programmes, and hosting Team GB has been incredibly inspiring for our students. It demonstrates just how in-demand these skills are.”

The college’s recent investment in butchery education underlines its commitment to training the next generation of skilled meat professionals.

UK Meat Industry in the Global Spotlight

As the countdown begins, Team GB remains focused and determined to win a medal and elevate the status of UK butchery on the global stage. The World Butchers’ Challenge not only celebrates tradition and technique but also highlights the evolving role of butchers in sustainable food systems and culinary innovation.

Key Takeaways:

Team GB trains at Plumpton College for the World Butchers’ Challenge in Paris.
Butchers must create a world-class display of meat products in 3.5 hours.
All meat from training and the event is donated to food banks.
Plumpton’s investment in butchery training supports the next generation of meat professionals.

Original Source: BBC News