Cobb Europe has become the first organisation in England to achieve Great Britain compartmentalisation across its production farms and hatchery, a major milestone that ensures continued export of broiler breeding stock even during disease outbreaks like Avian Influenza (HPAI) or Newcastle disease (ND).
Approved by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), this status confirms that Cobb’s Norfolk-based Great Grandparent / Grandparent production farms and the Grandparent / Parent hatchery meet the highest standards of biosecurity and disease monitoring. These facilities supply breeding stock across the Cobb Europe region—including the Middle East and Africa—and to customers worldwide.
“With avian influenza outbreaks now occurring outside the traditional migratory season, the Compartment scheme provides essential assurance to trading partners that approved Cobb locations operate under the highest biosecurity standards and remain disease-free—even during localised outbreaks,” said Lyndsey Cassidy, Senior Specialist in Quality Assurance at Cobb Europe.
The GB Compartment 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, and reinforces 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 GB Compartment standards, with regular inspections scheduled on a two-year cycle.