FAO has urged heightened readiness and surveillance against a possible major resurgence of the H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza amid signs that a mutant strain of the deadly Bird Flu virus is spreading in Asia and beyond, with unpredictable risks to human health.

Aviagen, a leading poultry breeding company, has released a series of ‘How To’ guides looking at the hatching and incubation process. This series is designed to be a practical tool for hatchery workers and features the latest technology, research and techniques gathered by Aviagen’s Hatchery Support Team.
The documents are already being distributed to customers and feedback so far has been excellent. The key areas covered are: measuring egg water loss; measuring chick yield; measuring egg shell temperature; identifying infertile eggs and early deads; and break out and analyze hatch debris.
The documents are extremely user-friendly and have been designed to be simple to follow, providing practical advice and tips on how to get the best quality chicks from your hatchery. Another design feature is the handy hanging rings and laminated finish, enabling them to be easily cleaned and stored inside the hatchery itself, rather than in an office, allowing for quick access and reference. 
Dinah Nicholson, Global Manager, Hatchery Development and Support, explained, “These new guides give practical advice and tips and include specific details on how to interpret results and make changes depending on the outcomes.

A complete well-formed egg is indeed a work of art. Factors which combine to impart overall egg quality – size, shape, colour, smooth intact shell, internal integrity (albumen and yolk), quality and freshness – encourage purchasers to buy and consume eggs.

Proper layer care for consistent supplies of high quality eggs requires knowledge and patience to ensure hens are well housed, fed and watered, and suffer as little stress as possible.