Cobb Europe has become the first organisation in England to achieve Great Britain compartmentalisation (also referred to as regionalisation) across all its production farms and hatcheries. This is a significant milestone that guarantees the continuity of broiler breeder exports, even during disease outbreaks such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or Newcastle Disease (ND).
Approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), this status confirms that Cobb’s Great-Grandparent / Grandparent production farms and Grandparent / Parent hatchery, located in Norfolk, meet the highest standards of biosecurity and disease control. These facilities supply breeders to the entire Cobb Europe region — including the Middle East and Africa — and to customers worldwide.
When a company or a specific region achieves compartmentalisation status, it means that even if the entire country is affected by HPAI or Newcastle Disease, exports can continue.
“As avian influenza outbreaks now occur outside the traditional migratory season, the UK Compartmentalisation Scheme for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease provides an essential assurance to trading partners that Cobb’s approved sites operate under the highest biosecurity standards and remain disease-free, even during localised outbreaks,” stated Lyndsey Cassidy, Senior Quality Assurance Specialist at Cobb Europe.
Recognition of compartmentalisation in the exporting country is a first step; the second is recognition of that same status in the importing country.
The UK Poultry Compartmentalisation Scheme, revised in 2024, requires rigorous site-specific Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans, enhanced serological testing and advanced contingency planning. Cobb’s successful approval reflects the dedication of its Quality Assurance, farm, hatchery and export teams, reinforcing its position as a trusted global supplier.
This achievement provides greater security for international trade and helps ensure that Cobb Europe’s operations will continue in accordance with Great Britain Compartmentalisation standards, with regular inspections scheduled on a two-year cycle.
Source: COBB > GB compartment status is achieved by Cobb Europe
Further reading:
-. Poultry industry in the United Kingdom
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