Farming Today

Bird flu restrictions flouted

Farming Today

Farming Today has uncovered evidence of backyard flocks still being allowed to roam free, despite the government ruling that all poultry must be housed, because of the threat of avian flu. There have been eight outbreaks of the disease over the last three months, with thousands of birds destroyed to prevent it spreading. Since December all poultry keepers, whether commercial or back-yard, have had to house their birds indoors. There is a potentially unlimited fine for those who flout the law. Sally Challoner has been to the Brecon Beacons to hear how sheep farmers are hoping to future-proof their businesses for a world outside the European Single Market. Many fear an influx of cheaper New Zealand or Australian lamb imports as the UK negotiates new trade deals. But one farmer believes Welsh Lamb will be able to compete if it's marketed here as superior in quality, taste and welfare standards. And an energy company has threatened to take the National Trust to court over its refusal to allow the company to test for shale gas on its land. Ineos Shale wants to test the site at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, but the Trust says it disagrees with fracking for shale. Presented by Anna Hill and produced by Sally Challoner.

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📆 2017-02-04 01:00 / 00:24:48