NFU Mutual offers birds influenza insurance

NFU Mutual has agreed to temporarily reopen its insurance cover for bird flu after a second insurer closed its books to new policyholders, leaving businesses exposed. 

Previously NFU Mutual reported that it would not be taking on new clients for avian influenza insurance cover from 1 September 2024. NFU Mutual was concerned that as avian influenza is a seasonal disease linked to wild bird migration patterns, there would be a sudden rush of poultry producers renewing during the highest risk period from October to March. 

But after the industry raised concern, and another avian influenza insurance provider, Apollo, withdrew from the market, NFU Mutual rethought its decision, confirming that bird keepers now have until 5 October to take out a policy. 

An NFU Mutual spokesperson said: “To ensure that this insurance product is sustainable and viable for customers, both this year and in the future, the policy was open for new business between 1 April and 1 September (2024) and closed in the volatile, high-risk period of October to March.” 

However, the company has now said that it has “temporarily” reopened this cover for those who have been “affected by Apollo’s removal of cover”.