A mandatory housing order for all poultry has been rolled out across England.
The order came into effect from 12.01am, following a rise in cases of bird flu in kept and wild birds.
The new measures mean bird keepers across the whole of England must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep more than 50 or if they sell or give eggs away.
A GB wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone is also in place and requires all keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock to undertake enhanced biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease.
The enhanced biosecurity measures include reporting of changes in egg production, mandatory record keeping, disinfecting footwear, and cleansing and disinfecting housing and concrete walkways on a continuous basis.
The nationwide housing order extension follows last week’s introduction of housing measures for north, central and parts of east of England to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease.
There have been four cases reported in Cumbria recently – at premises in Wetheral, near Silloth and two near Penrith.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “Given the continued increase in the number of avian influenza cases in kept birds and wild birds across England, we are now taking the difficult step to extend the housing measures to the whole of England.
“I appreciate the impact these measures have on industry and am extremely grateful for the continued co-operation of the poultry sector.
“We know from previous years that housing birds will bring the rates of infection down from the high we are currently experiencing.
“I urge bird keepers to comply with the new housing measures, continue to exercise robust biosecurity measures, remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”
All bird keepers in England whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock must:
- keep feed and bedding inside
- 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
- carry out effective vermin control in any areas where poultry and captive birds are kept
- thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing and concrete walkways on a continuous basis
- keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
- make your premises unattractive to wild birds (e.g. use bird scarers, foils or streamers)
Further information on the latest situation and guidance to help bird keepers comply with the new rules is available via gov.uk/birdflu, You can check if you’re in a bird flu disease zone on the map and check the declarations for details of the restrictions and gov.uk/birdflu for further advice and information.
The current risk to human health remains low and as standard, properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat, Defra said.
