TECHNICAL COLUMN
How can hatcheries lessen the impact of COVID-19? The world is currently experiencing a pandemic caused by a coronavirus, Covid-19. While the virus probably originated in animals, it appears that it only spreads between humans, and only humans seem to be affected. The symptoms vary from a mild form of flu to severe inflammation of the lungs, and in a few cases infection is fatal. to country, we know from our network that hatcheries are facing labour-related issues and supply chain challenges. While poultry farms and hatcheries continue to operate, more people are staying home as countries try to ‘flatten the curve’ and measures are implemented to reduce transmission of the virus. There is also no denying that market conditions are in flux: restaurants and markets are being closed down, air transport has been disrupted, country borders are closing. All these may have a knock-on effect on how long hatching eggs need to be stored and on the transport times for dayold chicks.
Labour matters Poultry play no role in spreading COVID-19, and unlike viral diseases found in the poultry industry (such as Avian Influenza, Newcastle disease) poultry are not affected by the virus. So far, so good. The bad news is that COVID-19 is now affecting a massive proportion of the human population, if not directly, then indirectly – and certainly in terms of their work. And hatcheries are no exception. At Royal Pas Reform we are closely monitoring developments in our global markets so we can provide maximum support to our customers in these challenging times, while bearing in mind that visits in person are not possible. Although circumstances differ from hatchery to hatchery and from country
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No matter how automated a hatchery is, its operation remains heavily dependent on personnel. And hatchery work is teamwork, involving close proximity, with the risk that someone who is infected will pass the virus on to their colleagues. It is crucial that you instruct your personnel to stay home if they (or someone else in their household) show even the mildest flu symptoms like a runny nose, coughing or low fever. Even if they only have ‘regular’ flu, it’s better to be safe than sorry. It is also possible for someone to be infected but not show symptoms, and this raises the risk of transmission everywhere including the workplace. It is therefore vital that you apply all measures recommended by
