§ Ms ShipleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on intensive farming of ducks, with particular reference to(a) the number of ducks intensively farmed, (b) the size of cages used, (c) the type of food that is available to them, (d) the availability of fresh water and (e) the use of antibiotics to counter disease. [54980]
§ Mr. MorleyDEFRA does not currently collect data on the rearing methods employed by individual duck producers or on the use of medicinal antibiotics in intensive systems. Antibiotics for ducks are licensed under the Medicines Act 1968 and are only available to counter disease on prescription from a veterinary surgeon.
Ducks are not kept in cages in the UK. Ducks must be kept in accordance with the Code of Practice on the Welfare of Ducks. The detailed recommendations for feed and water are: the birds should have easy access to adequate fresh feed each day. and have fresh water at all times; consideration should he given to the provision of water troughs which are deep enough to allow the ducks to get their heads completely under water; whatever feeding and drinking system is used sufficient trough space for feeding and drinking should be provided to prevent undue competition for feed or water; stale or contaminated feed or water should not be allowed to accumulate and should be replaced immediately; and efforts should be made to minimise the risk of drinking water freezing. The Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000 also requires that all animals must be fed a wholesome diet that is appropriate to their age and species.