The UK Poultry Health and Welfare Group (PHWG) was formed in 2013. It is a forum for issues relating to animal health and welfare policy and delivery.
Our aim is to drive continuous improvement in the national flock.
To protect the health of poultry and the environment and the wider rural economy.
Active Members
The British Poultry Council (BPC) is an active member of this group along with the British Egg Industry Council, the National Farmers Union, the Game Farmers Association and The British Veterinary Poultry Association.
A Unified Voice
We act as a unified voice for the UK poultry industry to the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and to the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England on matters relating to animal health and welfare policy and delivery.
Please check out the resources here to enhance the health and welfare of your birds.
Biosecurity Photobook
Poultry Health and Welfare Group collaborate with Government to compile photo gallery showing good biosecurity practice. Download the PDF below.
Avian Influenza Webinar 2025 – ‘From understanding to action’
The UK Poultry Health and Welfare Group
On 17 December 2025, the UK Poultry Health and Welfare Group (chaired by BPC Technical Director, Máire Burnett) organised a live webinar to promote awareness of Avian Influenza and the risk it poses to the domestic wild bird population.
Avian influenza is a significant threat to the commercial poultry industry. With over 70 cases recorded this season, disease challenge risks huge economic disruption to international trade. This latest webinar from the PHWG offered a clear and timely update on the current landscape, what it means for sector resilience, and the key actions shaping the months ahead.
Informative presentations meant the 200 registered viewers were assured of what to look out for, who to contact, and how to implement the necessary biosecurity measures to ensure the protection of the health of the national flock and the rural economy.
Thank you to our speakers:
Dr. Helen Roberts – Exotic Disease Control team: Non-livestock disease policy, risk and science advisor, Defra
Richard Hepple – Veterinary Advisor: Field Epidemiology Lead (Exotics), APHA
Sascha van Helvoort – Veterinary Head of Outbreak Delivery, APHA
Gordon Hickman – Head of Exotic Disease Policy, Defra
Máire Burnett – Chair, Poultry Health & Welfare Group
Avian Influenza Webinar 2020
On 20th October 2020, the Poultry Health and Welfare group, chaired by BPC’s Technical Director, Máire Burnett, organised a live webinar to promote awareness of Avian Influenza and the risk it poses to the domestic wild bird population, as migratory birds return to winter here in the United Kingdom.
Avian Influenza is a significant threat to the commercial poultry industry and risks huge economic disruption to international trade. However, informative presentations made by key speakers – including the UK Chief Veterinary Officer, the Poultry Club of GB, Defra, the British Poultry Council Veterinary Advisor and a key exporter of high value breeding stock.
This meant that the 500 registered viewers were assured of what to look out for, who to contact and how to implement the necessary biosecurity measures to ensure the protection of the health of the national poultry flock, the environment and the wider rural economy.
Biosecurity & Farm Management
Biosecurity is a system of preventative action for disease control. It is very important that bird keepers always practice good biosecurity all year round, and especially during times of disease outbreak.
Maintenance
Keep it secure
Bedding
Keep it secure
Rodent Control
Keep it rodent free
Staff
Keep informed
Record Keeping
Keep it Up-To-Date
Biosecurity Checklist
The British Poultry Council produced a biosecurity checklist for all birdkeepers. To use as part of the national effort to tackle and eradicate the toughest outbreak of bird flu to date.
You can read more in our press release here or download the PDF below.