The mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds,
which were introduced across the United Kingdom to help stop the
spread of bird flu, will be lifted from 00:01 on Monday 2 May
2022, the Chief Veterinary Officers have confirmed today.
Poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed,
unless they are in a Protection Zone, and will be allowed to be
kept outside. While the risk of bird flu has been reduced to
‘medium’ for premises with poor biosecurity, the enhanced
biosecurity requirements that were brought in as part of the
Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in force as
infection may still be circulating in the environment for several
more weeks. All poultry gatherings will remain banned.
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 will include cleansing and disinfection of
hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and
reintroduction of wild bird deterrents.
The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu with over
100 cases confirmed across the country since late October.
Scrupulous biosecurity is the most effective method of disease
control available and all bird keepers should apply enhanced
measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks.
In a joint statement, the four Chief Veterinary Officers 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 recent
cases of avian influenza show that it’s vital that bird keepers
remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent
standards of biosecurity.
The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in force
across the UK, with only the housing measures component being
lifted from Monday 2nd May. This means all bird keepers (whether
they have pet birds, a commercial sized or a backyard flock) must
be diligent in continuing to take effective and precautionary
biosecurity measures including cleansing and disinfecting
equipment, clothing and vehicles, limiting access to
non-essential people on their sites, and workers changing
clothing and footwear before entering and when leaving bird
enclosures.
Poultry and captive bird keepers must 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.
All 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 poultry 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
We would encourage all keepers to register
their flocks with the Animal and Plant Health Agency. For
poultry this is a legal requirement if you have 50 birds or more
(poultry includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeon (bred
for meat), partridge, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants). In
Northern Ireland this applies to all birds except those kept
within your home. Registration forms are available here or
by contacting your local DAERA
Direct Regional Office. Registering with us means that we
will be able to contact you with information or action required
should an outbreak happen near you.
