Links
Animal Health and Welfare
DEFRA- Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Access this link to find all the latest government information relating to Animal Health and Welfare
http://www.defra.gov.uk/food-farm/animals/welfare
Farm Animal Welfare Council
The Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) is an independent advisory body established by the Government in 1979. Its terms of reference are to keep under review the welfare of farm animals on agricultural land, at market, in transit and at the place of slaughter; and to advise the Government of any legislative or other changes that may be necessary.
Animal Welfare Foundation
The remit of the Foundation is to apply the knowledge, skill and compassion of veterinary surgeons in an effective way by funding a variety of projects and activities which will find practical solutions to the welfare problems of all animals.
http://www.bva-awf.org.uk/about/
RSPCA- Freedom Foods
The Freedom Food certification mark gives consumers the assurance that the scheme is backed by the RSPCA, one of the most respected animal charities in the world. In addition, the government has recognised Freedom Food as a 'higher level' assurance scheme.
http://www.rspca.org.uk/freedomfood/
Medicines
Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD)
The vision of the VMD is the responsible, safe and effective use of veterinary medicinal products. In working towards achieving this vision the VMD aims to protect public health, animal health, the environment and promote animal welfare by assuring the safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines.
National Office of Animal Health (NOAH)
The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) represents the UK animal medicines industry: its aim is to promote the benefits of safe, effective, quality medicines for the health and welfare of all animals.
Responsible Use of Medicines Agricultural Alliance
A unique initiative involving organisations representing every stage of the "farm to fork" process, RUMA aims to promote a co-ordinated and integrated approach to best practice in the use of medicines
Food Safety
Food Standards Agency (FSA)
The Food Standards Agency is an independent Government department set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to food.
Veterinary Residues Commitee (VRC)
An independent advisory committee that oversees the UK's surveillance for residues of Veterinary Medicines
http://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/vrc
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the keystone of European Union (EU) risk assessment regarding food and feed safety. In close collaboration with national authorities and in open consultation with its stakeholders, EFSA provides independent scientific advice and clear communication on existing and emerging risks.
Avian Influenza
DEFRA Avian Influenza Pages
Keep up to date with all the latest development on Avian Influenza. This resource can be used to obtain all the latest information in the face of an Avain Influenza outbreak.
OIE World Organisation for Animal Health
The OIE is the intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide.
http://www.oie.int/eng/en_index.htm
The Poultry Site- Bird Flu
This useful site will keep you up to date with Avain Influenza news reported all around the globe.
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/bird-flu/bird-flu-news.php
Salmonella- National Control Plans
DEFRA- Zoonoses : Salmonella and National Control Plans
View the latest information relating to National Conrol Plans for Salmonella
Assurance Schemes, Associations and Unions
Assured Chicken Production
It is the objective of Assured Chicken Production to set standards for the nutrition and welfare of poultry and to verify producers compliance with them. Another objective is the development of the standards to achieve high levels of food safety and environmental care.
http://www.assuredchicken.org.uk/chickens/scheme.asp
British Egg Industry Council- Lion Code
The BEIC is an inter-professional organisation of 11 trade associations in the UK, which cover all aspects of the egg industry - breeding, hatching, rearing, laying, packing, egg processing and marketing. The principal function of the BEIC is to represent the interests of its Members (the UK egg industry) in discussions with Government, MPs, the European Commission, European Parliament, and other bodies. BEIC also finances research and development. BEIC is recognised by Government and Parliament as the representative voice of the UK egg industry.
The Soil Association
The Soil Association exists to research, develop and promote sustainable relationships between the soil, plants, animals, people and the biosphere, in order to produce healthy food and other products while protecting and enhancing the environment.
http://www.soilassociation.org/
National Farmers Union (NFU)
The National Farmers' Union represents the farmers and growers of England and Wales. Its central objective is to promote successful and socially responsible agriculture and horticulture, while ensuring the long term viability of rural communities
United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service is the sole national accreditation body recognised by government to assess, against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services.
Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates the competence, impartiality and performance capability of these evaluators.
Game birds Websites
The Game Conservancy Trust
Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust charitable objects:
- to promote for the public benefit the conservation of game and its associated flora and fauna;
- to conduct research into game and wildlife management (including the use of game animals as a natural resource) and the effects of farming and other land management practices on the environment, and to publish the useful results of such research;
- to advance the education of the public and those managing the countryside in the effects of farming and management of land which is sympathetic to game and other wildlife.
- To conserve game and wildlife for the public benefit including: where it is for the protection of the environment, the conservation or promotion of biological diversity through the provision, conservation, restoration or enhancement of natural habitat; or the maintenance or recovery of a species in its natural habitat on land or in water and in particular where the natural habitat is situated in the vicinity of a landfill site.
The Game Farmers Association
The Game Farmers' Association (GFA) is a trade organisation dedicated to the production of quality gamebirds for the UK shooting industry.
Small Holders Websites
The Turkey Club UK
- Conserve and promote all pure breeds of turkey
- To identify and maintain breed standards
- To encourage and assist with advice, anyone wishing to keep turkeys
- Work towards establishing a higher profile for the turkey, as an exhibition bird and utility species of poultry.
- Whenever appropriate, promote the turkey by education and illustration.