Some measures to protect poultry and captive birds from avian flu are set to be lifted in England and Wales next week.
Mandatory housing measures brought in to stop the spread of the virus will be lifted from 12.01am on Tuesday, April 18 – but bird keepers are urged to continue to remain vigilant.
Chief veterinary officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said following a latest assessment, bird flu risk levels have been reduced meaning poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed and can be kept outside, unless they are in a protection zone.
The decision means that from April 18, eggs laid by hens with access to outside range areas can return to being marketed as free range eggs.
Over 330 cases have been confirmed across the country since late October 2021. While the risk of bird flu has been reduced to medium for premises with poor biosecurity, enhanced biosecurity requirements brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will remain in force as infection may still be circulating in the environment for several more weeks.
The risk of bird flu remains assessed as low where good biosecurity is applied. Those who intend to allow their birds outside are advised to use the upcoming days to prepare their outside areas for the release of their birds.
This includes the cleansing and disinfection of hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroduction of wild bird deterrents.
Dr Middlemiss said: “Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe.
“It is thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets who have played their part in keeping flocks safe this winter that we are in a position to take this action.
“However, the unprecedented nature of this outbreak has proven it’s more important than ever for bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”
Poultry and captive bird keepers must:
- cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
- thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
- keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and bird housing entry and exit points
- minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
- be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.
The UKHSA advises that the available evidence suggests viruses currently circulating in birds in the UK do not spread easily to people and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.
There is no impact on the consumption of properly cooked poultry products, including eggs.
Bird keepers should report suspicion of disease in England to the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
People are reminded not to touch dead wild birds and are encouraged to report findings of dead wild birds using the new online reporting system or by calling the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
