Clock is ticking for bird flu insurance, producers warned

Poultry industry representatives are advising egg and meat producers to move quickly if they want to secure bird flu insurance, given the recent escalation in the number of cases.

NFU Mutual is the only company currently offering such insurance, having reopened its book for new business in April this year.

See also: Non-Lion egg producers denied bird flu insurance

It offers three types of policy, covering bird mortality, business interruption (for 90 or 180 days) and secondary clean-up and disinfection – either taken individually or in combination.

If a producer takes all three, typical quotes work out at £10,000-£15,000 for a 32,000 bird free-range flock, depending on whether they go for 90- or 180-day business interruption.

However, the opportunity to buy cover closes on 1 September, ahead of the high-risk period – and possibly sooner if the number of bird flu cases escalates.

More cases

Further cases of avian influenza were reported over the weekend, involving game birds in Devon and Anglesey, taking the total number of outbreaks since the start of June to 14.

NFU poultry board chairman James Mottershead said: “We are now entering a critical period for poultry producers. As the risk of avian influenza ramps up, then so does the vital need to ensure adequate insurance cover and protection.”

Gary Ford, head of strategy at the British Free Range Egg Producers Association, agreed that the current situation was a real concern, as the main bird migration season approaches.

“The 14 cases over the summer have led some to suggest that the forthcoming 2025-26 season will be as challenging as the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons,” he said.

“Against this context, we urge our members, who are interested, to make contact with their local NFU Mutual agent in order to obtain terms.”

To qualify for cover, egg producers need to be Lion Code registered, while broiler, turkey, goose and duck growers need to be Red Tractor Assured. RSPCA Assured is not deemed sufficient.

Mr Ford said: “It is regrettable that not all of our members will be eligible for a quote, and we have raised our concerns regarding this with the NFU Mutual.”