As a Recruitment Consultant within the Rural Sector, I spend a great deal of time discussing certain barriers and challenges that our clients may be facing. Recently, I have been speaking with Poultry Farmers, and the same topic is brought up without hesitation…bird flu. It is clearly having a major impact, so I thought it was a good time to collate together how bird flu is affecting the food and agriculture sector and subsequently how recruitment is moulding to the unique needs of the poultry industry.
The Current Picture in the UK
Bird flu or Avian Influenza has been dominating headlines for good reason. The virus has continued to affect both wild and domestic bird populations. More recently, it has even been detected in other species. In March 2025, The Guardian reported the world’s first known case of bird flu in sheep, and just a month earlier, four seals were found dead from the virus along the Norfolk coast. The boundaries of this disease are evidently shifting.
Back in November 2024, the UK government confirmed the presence of the H5N5 strain in commercial poultry, triggering culling and the creation of protection zones. The following February, the country faced a grim milestone — seabird populations in some areas had dropped by as much as 75% due to the virus. This sharp decline underscored just how deeply bird flu is affecting wildlife, farming, and biodiversity.
The Current Biosecurity Landscape (as of April 2025)
To combat the ongoing threat, the UK government has implemented several wide-reaching biosecurity measures:
Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ): The entire UK is under this zone, requiring strict biosecurity protocols for all bird keepers.
Mandatory Housing Measures: Certain regions (including Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and more) require all kept birds to be housed indoors to prevent wild bird contact.
Enhanced Biosecurity Protocols: These include rodent control, disinfection procedures, using protective clothing and equipment, and limiting access to bird areas.
DEFRA continues to advise vigilance, urging bird keepers to monitor for symptoms and report any concerns immediately. Despite the low public health risk, authorities are closely monitoring the situation in case of virus mutations that could increase human transmission risk.
Operational and Economic Consequences on Businesses:
The outbreak of bird flu has resulted in hundreds of thousands of birds being culled, affecting both egg and meat supply. This, in turn, has increased consumer prices and catalysed supply chain disruption. Housing orders, pest control, and additional protective equipment have created a real financial burden, especially for smaller producers. Additionally, export restrictions and insurance difficulties have already added pressure on stretched operations. Not to mention labour and welfare issues…staff shortages, mental strain, and animal welfare concerns are increasingly common as birds are kept indoors for extended periods of time.
Vaccination: Is It the Future?
Vaccination is a hot topic right now, with countries like France, China, and the Netherlands making strides in mass poultry vaccination strategies. Notably, the Dutch government began a pilot vaccination program in March 2025 following the promising field trial results, which showed that vaccinated birds remained disease-free and did not transmit the virus.
Still, there are caveats: vaccination can complicate surveillance efforts and affect export eligibility, so countries like the UK and U.S. are proceeding cautiously.
What Does This Mean for Recruitment?
All of this change — from disease control to vaccination strategy — is having a real impact on recruitment within the poultry industry. We are seeing candidates who are skilled in Biosecurity, managing disease risk, adhering to safety protocols and implementing prevention strategies are highly sought after. Moreover, professionals who display a range of operational flexibility are also in demand. With the uncertainty of bird flu, Farm Managers are looking to hire those who are open to flexibility and not scared of change. In particular, changes in regulation or environment, like shifting from the outdoor to indoor housing of animals during outbreaks is key. With instances of bird-to-human transmission, such as the confirmed case of H5N1 in a UK poultry worker in January 2025, there's a growing emphasis on training, PPE use, and occupational health policies. Candidates must be aware of this and be willing to undertake efficient training.
Unfortunately, the negative implications of outbreaks and culls can lead to temporary layoffs or a reduced hiring demand. As the situation continues to evolve, so too does the type of talent the industry needs. It's more important than ever for employers to hire not just for experience, but for resilience, awareness, and adaptability. On that note, if you do need assistance in hiring talent who will be equipped for what the future may hold, please reach out to me!
Rachel Richardson | Rural Recruitment Consultant
07701 387 732
