Salmonella fears over hen farm plan

Oct 4 2008 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

FEARS were last night voiced over potential for a salmonella outbreak should plans for a free range hen farm in Northumberland get the go-ahead.

Farmers Jayne and Jonathan Watson of Bowsden Moor, near Berwick, are seeking planning permission for a free range unit capable of housing 16,000 birds on their land.

Their proposal goes before Berwick Borough Council’s planning committee on Tuesday night, with a recommendation to approve.

However, Dominic and Alice Elsworth, 39 and 36, who have lived at neighbouring Whistlebare farm since 2004, are objecting on the basis of the unit’s location.

The poultry unit is proposed to be sited just across a burn from where they keep pigs.

And the Elsworths say keeping pigs and poultry in close proximity goes against guidance in the Salmonella Code.

Pigs and poultry can carry or be susceptible to salmonella and Mr Elsworth fears the disease could be transmitted from one to the other at Bowsden via either rats or birds.

He is concerned at the implications if salmonella is found on either farm.

The Watson’s birds would have to be slaughtered with no compensation payable and the eggs heat treated before they can be sold, greatly reducing their value.

The Elsworths, who invested in a processing unit to produce bacon on the farm which they supply to local restaurants, would not be allowed to sell their pigs for slaughter and would probably dispose of them.

Mr Elsworth is also concerned at the implications of hens only having to be tested to stop salmonella getting into the food chain every three months.

He said last night: “Placing a new free poultry range unit next to a free range pig unit is a ludicrous thing to do because the chance of a salmonella transfer from the poultry to the pigs is very, very likely.

“They could be tested today then tomorrow their poultry could be affected by salmonella.

“Then for three months there could be eggs infected with salmonella going into the human food chain.

“You could be chopping them up in your mayonnaise and giving them to the children and they could get salmonella.”

The Elsworths are also concerned that ammonia generated by the poultry unit will kill trees and crops on their land.

They also fear rat poison used at the unit will kill local otters.

Last night, Mr Watson said all birds would be vaccinated and tested for salmonella. He added: “We have had people look over the site and the site we chose was the one that was the most suitable for the job.”

The Watsons, who with Jonathan’s uncle Brian Redhead own and tenant around 700 acres, decided to diversify to fill an income gap created when they sold their cows.

The couple have worked with the council’s planning department and consulted relevant statutory bodies in preparing their application.

They have invested £460,000 in the project.

In recommending approval, the council says it has taken advice on the salmonella risk from statutory bodies, which are satisfied there will be no substantial environmental problems.

Neither Natural England or the Environment Agency has objected.

Mrs Watson said: “I am confident the democratic system which is in place will ensure the correct outcome for all.”

• For more Berwick news, go to www.journallive.co.uk/berwick.