Chicken farms set for restrictions after rise in bird flu cases

Chicken farms across the country are set for fresh restrictions after a rise in bird flu outbreaks.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has issued the mandatory housing order for the whole of England.

The order, which requires birds to be kept indoors to minimise the risk of contact with other birds, comes into force from tomorrow - February 13.

Shropshire has become home to increasing numbers of large chicken and egg farms in recent years.

Defra said it had taken the decision “following the increased risk and escalating number of confirmations of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or bird flu) in kept birds and findings in wild birds”.

The new measures mean bird keepers across the whole of England must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep 50 or more birds - except in specific circumstances, such as some zoo birds - or if they sell or give eggs, poultry products and live birds away.

Defra also said that an England-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures has been declared, coming into force immediately.

It 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 & disinfecting housing and concrete walkways regularly.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “Bird keepers are urged to comply with the housing measures and to exercise robust biosecurity, remaining alert for any signs of disease and reporting suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

“Having avian influenza confirmed in your flock can be devastating, I understand the impact this disease can have on the poultry sector and am extremely grateful for the continued cooperation of the industry.”

As part of the announcement Defra said it does not expect the situation to have any impact overall on the availability of Christmas turkeys or other seasonal poultry.

It added that the current risk to human health from avian influenza remains very low.

Keepers are urged to be vigilant for signs of disease, report them and take action to prevent bird flu spreading.

Details of the zone and the biosecurity measures that bird keepers must comply with can be found in full on GOV.UK