Leading poultry vet Alastair Johnston of Minster Veterinary Practice has told Farmers Weekly that he believes vets are well placed to address the training needs of the sector, because they have the knowledge at various levels from company director to the stockman on the farm.

Back in April, the Minster Vet Practice acquired two training businesses - Progressive Poultry Training and Skill Solutions - to form MVP Training. Both businesses were established in 1988 by Patricia Egerton, a poultry producer from Hereford.

Progressive Poultry Training was a countrywide training provider aimed at training producers to nationally recognised standards. Skill Solutions (formally Lantra Skill Solutions) previously delivered NVQs to the poultry sector and will allow Minister Vets the same capability as a future venture.

Producers will benefit first of all as their knowledge levels increase. He believes it will allow them to run their business more efficiently and have a knock-on effect on profitability. "Consumers will also benefit, as hygiene and welfare improve and so will the quality of the overall product."

There could be a massive benefit to bird health if producers are able to recognise when a flock is sick or starting to show signs of ill health, especially when considering notifiable diseases, he says.

Early recognition and being able to notify the vet as soon as possible is a step forward. But it is also essential for smallholders to receive training, as their birds are often more exposed. They are just as important as the larger, commercial producers, he adds.