Membership

Following a major review of membership details, in advance of the publication of the new WPSA World Membership Directory this summer, some success has been achieved in updating our lists, correcting errors, adding telephone numbers and email addresses. Many thanks to all those who replied. If you were one of those who didn’t, then please send me your full and correct contact details, so that we can all that much easier keep in touch.

Please also remember to notify me of changes as they occur.

All sectors of the poultry industry - trade, education and research - have been experiencing a chill economic wind over the last year or so. Inevitably this has resulted in some losses in WPSA UK Branch membership as people retire, move on or move out. It is most encouraging that the number of new members joining the Branch very nearly balances these losses, but we still need more members.

We are delighted to welcome the following new members, who have joined the Branch since our last newsletter:

• Degussa (Mr Martin Smith)
• Mr Mike Allder, Eurotec Nutrition Ltd.
• Mr Tony Bushell, Cobb Breeding Company Ltd.
• Miss Rachel Crowe, University of Leeds.
• Dr Jonathan Guy, University of Newcastle.
• Miss Gill Jackson, University of Bristol.
• Mr Nigel Joice, Uphouse Farm Ltd.
• Miss Juliet Lay, Harper Adams Univ. College
• Ms Jacqueline Linden, Watt Publishing
• Mr Philip Macdonald, Intervet UK Ltd
• Miss Grainne McEntee, SAC Auchincruive.
• Dr Christine Moinard, Roslin Insitute
• Dr Arjan Narbad, Institute of Food Research.
• Mr John Newton, National Farmers Union.
• Mr Jon Ratcliff, Food and Agriculture Consultancy Services.
• Mr Kenneth Rutherford, Roslin Institute.

Regrettably, the following members have resigned from the Branch:

• Mr Evangelos Afendris, University of Aberdeen.
• Mr K A Clabburn, Attleborough Poultry Farms.
• Mr Ian Cockshott, Countrywide Farmers Ltd.
• Dr Maggie Cusack, University of Glasgow.
• Mr Dan Durrant, Norfolk.
• Dr Linda Keeling, Swedish University of Animal Science.
• Mrs Anne Knox, Roslin Institute.
• Mr Matthew Lawson, Harper Adams University College.
• Mr Malcolm Pye, Cleveland.
• John Rannoch Ltd, Suffolk.
• Mr Peter Spencer, Norfolk.
• Mr Luis Sarmiento-Franco, Mexico.

Win a free tie!

We have just a few WPSA UK Branch 50th Anniversary ties left (most members agree that these are rather smarter than the standard issue WPSA tie!). For a short period only, and while the remaining stocks last, we will give one of these to anyone who introduces a new paying member to the Branch. Just ask the Branch Secretary to send a new member pack to a colleague or acquaintance and, when they join, I will send you one of these ties (-also makes a wonderful Christmas present for the ladies to give to the man in your life - or you may wear it yourself, of course!). Why not act now? Just email a name to the Secretary.

Revised WPSA Constitution

WPSA (World) Councillors are considering proposals for a number of important changes to the Association’s Constitution, the primary goal of which is to allow the WPSA to function more effectively. In order to allow speedier and fuller attention to be given to Association affairs it is proposed to give more power to a small Executive Committee which will meet more regularly than the once a year meetings of the full Council (now to be known as the Management Board).

Proposals which it is also hoped will find favour among Councillors are the rationalization of the selection procedure for Congress venues and the procedure for the election of Vice Presidents (one ballot with the top five being elected). Councillors will be voting on the proposals by 1 July and it is hoped that the new Constitution will begin operating before the end of 2001.

Welfare of Laying Hens

MAFF has issued for consultation proposals for the implementation in England and Wales of Directive 99/74/EC - the laying hens Directive - by the proposed amendment of the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000 (S I 1870), together with the supplementary Regulatory Impact Assessment and also a new draft Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock - Laying Hens. Comments from interested parties are required by 3 August and the UK Branch of WPSA is now considering its response.

Comments are particularly required by MAFF on two issues:

• Beak trimming: The Directive bans all mutilations but allows Member States to authorise beak trimming in order to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism, provided that it is carried out by qualified staff on hens that are less than 10 days old and intended for laying. Three different options are suggested.
  
• Establishments with less than 350 birds: Because the new Directive applies only to those establishments keeping more than 350 hens, Government has a problem with current domestic legislation on laying hens kept in cages which applies to all laying hens.

It is reiterated in a number of places that Government does not wish to ‘gold plate’ the new EU rules but obviously there will be differing views on just how far new legislation and Codes should go.

The views of individual members of the Branch on aspects of this consultation are welcome and should be sent to the Secretary before 27 July.

Proposed 27th Poultry Science Symposium

As we approach the review of the laying hens Directive in 2005, it is evident that there is much work underway in this area and much science still to be published. In order to provide EU poultry personnel and the legislators with good information, a Poultry Science Symposium on The Welfare of Laying Hens is planned for the late summer of 2003 to be followed swiftly by the publication of the full proceedings. The planning is still at an early stage but the Symposium is likely to be in the Bristol area and further information will be provided shortly. In the meantime any questions, suggestions or comments may be sent to graham.perry@bristol.ac.uk.

BEIC Lion Code of Practice

A recent note from the British Egg Industry Council informs us that vaccination against both Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium is now required and that a special deal is in place for the supply of Salenvac T. For details tel: BEIC on 020 7608 3760.