Vets are more than just ‘firefighters’: rearing gamebirds through record heat

In the midst of one of the hottest summers recorded in the UK, gamebird vets are working not only to diagnose and treat disease in birds on rearing fields and shoots, but also to help prevent it and support the industry in adapting to extreme weather conditions that may increasingly become the norm.

Changing weather patterns and extreme conditions have always been among the challenges of rearing and releasing gamebirds. These patterns are now shifting, with temperatures reaching unprecedented levels and remaining elevated for longer periods.

Periods of exceptionally hot weather can present significant challenges. Management practices need to be adapted rapidly. Heaters may need to be switched off for day-olds, ventilation increased by opening windows wide – usually discouraged to avoid feather pecking – and even doors. Large outdoor runs, which are normally encouraged to reduce disease transmission and competition, can become deserted as birds seek shelter indoors to escape the heat.

Why moving birds to release pens early helps them regulate

Where appropriate – and provided birds have reached the required size and body condition and show no signs of disease – early movement from rearing fields is recommended. Birds will cope better in larger release pens where natural shade and greater space allow them to regulate their behaviour during periods of high temperature.

Gamekeepers may also need to adjust management practices by encouraging pheasants to use cooler, more shaded parts of the pen. Ensuring adequate access to clean and fresh water and reducing the risk of heat stress become key priorities.

Moving birds from rearing fields at earlier hours of the day may not please the staff, but might become the norm. Likewise, minimising handling and other disturbances during the hottest part of the day will reduce heat stress.

Hygiene, parasites and rodent control in hot weather

Warm temperatures can favour the multiplication of bacteria and increase the risk from certain parasites, which are common but become more difficult to control, especially as heat can also mask the early signs of disease. Rigorous hygiene in and around drinkers and feeders becomes even more important. Effective rodent control is critical, as rodents can contaminate feed and water sources and act as reservoirs of infection.

Vets play a crucial role in advising keepers on these preventative measures, helping to maintain bird health, welfare and productivity while supporting the industry’s adaptation to a changing climate.

Prevention is achieved through client education as challenges arise, as well as through annual health plans and assurance schemes such as the Trusted Game Scheme. This covers a wide range of areas where welfare is paramount, while also addressing biosecurity, food safety and compliance with legal requirements.

Keeping shot game cool as temperatures rise

As temperatures continue to rise, maintaining appropriate conditions for game meat management presents new challenges. Once game has been shot, carcasses must be kept at suitably cool temperatures. This can become difficult during warmer weather, particularly in ensuring adequate cooling and transport conditions.

What a Trusted Game audit gathers as evidence

Through the Trusted Game Scheme, vets can advise shoots on legal requirements relating to the handling, storage and transport of game. When doing an audit and discussing a plan, they can listen to clients, gather field-based evidence and understand recurring issues and areas for improvement. They will also provide informed advice on existing standards. These discussions and feedback will allow vets to identify challenges faced on a game farm or shoot.

The scheme also brings together vets from different parts of the country, who compare experiences and emerging issues, and share examples of best practice; this all strengthens the robustness of the scheme standards. Representatives from other organisations within the game sector also have the chance to contribute to the Standards Committee, ensuring a collaborative and informed approach to continual improvement.

In the same way that climate change is increasingly affecting our day-to-day lives, it is transforming the way we rear and release gamebirds. Vets are not there only to act when disease outbreaks occur; they play a vital role in helping the industry adapt to these emerging challenges.

Rita Alves is director of Trusted Game. Visit trustedgame.co.uk