Farm Assessments During the High Risk Avian Influenza Period
We understand how concerning and stressful AI outbreaks are for our members. This is why we have been in touch with all of our poultry members about the additional biosecurity measures we’ll continue to take when carrying out in-person assessments, and the available alternatives, which we hope they’ll find reassuring.
We are continuing to take a flexible approach to farm assessments during AI outbreaks. This means that in certain circumstances - such as where there’s a compulsory housing order or a farm is within a 10km or 3km AI control zone - there are alternative options members may be able to choose instead of an in-person assessment. For example, a desktop or virtual visit.
However, to help us ensure the integrity of the RSPCA Assured scheme and protect the welfare of farmed animals, there are some exceptions to flexible farm assessments. Members should note that all sites must be seen 'in person' either within the last 14 months or before they renew certification (whichever comes first). Additionally, the following members will not be able to defer their in-person assessment or receive a virtual visit:
- New member applications
- Seasonal turkey production
- Members involved in active complaints or incidents
- Members with current sanctions in place or who have received sanctions within the previous two years.
Where in-person assessments take place, RSPCA Assured assessors will follow each site’s specific biosecurity procedures alongside our own stringent measures. We will continue to monitor the situation alongside our partners and review as necessary.
We encourage any RSPCA Assured member who has concerns about AI or has any questions to get in touch and we’ll do everything we can to help. The RSPCA Assured website also has a dedicated area offering detailed information about additional biosecurity measures, advice on contingency planning and improving flock welfare during a housing order.
Option 1 - A standard in-person assessment, following strict biosecurity procedures
- Onsite visits during a housing order are conducted at no additional cost.
- All assessors have the necessary PPE and DEFRA-approved disinfectants.
- Assessors follow all site-specific biosecurity requirements communicated when the assessment is booked.
- All assessors have received training on the pathology and transmission of AI and improved biosecurity.
Option 2 - Deferring your in-person assessment and opting for an interim virtual visit
- You may choose to defer your in-person site visit until the housing order is lifted or until later in the AI high-risk period.
- The maximum deferral period cannot be more than 14 months since your last in-person assessment.
- Once we have decided to defer your in-person visit, you will receive an interim virtual visit instead.
- When a virtual visit is requested, it incurs an additional cost of £70 plus VAT.
Virtual Visits
A Virtual Visit with an RSPCA Assured assessor will focus on bird health and welfare and should take around 45 minutes - but you should allow up to an hour for any additional questions or discussion.
You’ll need to be able to take part in a video conference call using WhatsApp (or an alternative video call application) and walk around to show the assessor different areas of your site.
If you don’t have a stable wifi or mobile network connection available, you can provide short pre-recorded video clips instead.
We’ll call you to arrange and discuss the Virtual Visit beforehand, providing full details of what’s involved.
Assessments in AI Control Zones
If your assessment is due when your site is in an AI control zone, we will progress your assessment in one of the following ways:
- An on-site assessment
- A desktop assessment - counts as a full assessment
RSPCA Assured certification can only be renewed following an in-person assessment, or a desktop assessment if your farm is within 10km of a confirmed outbreak.