The number of bird flu cases has already exceeded last season’s total, and free-range egg producers are being urged to invest in stronger disease prevention measures as the risk of bird flu remains high across the UK.
More than 90 confirmed cases of avian influenza (AI) have been reported since October, more than the 82 cases recorded in the entire 2024/25 season.
Gabriela Warwood, head of contract production at egg producer Stonegate, said the scale of the outbreak highlighted the need for strong biosecurity on farms.
“This season is not over yet. We have already surpassed the entire 2024/25 season, which had 82 confirmed cases,” she said.
The warning comes as strict bird flu measures continue across the UK. All bird keepers are now required to follow enhanced biosecurity measures under the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone.
In the UK, national housing orders remain in place that require poultry and captive birds to be housed to reduce contact with wild birds.
In Wales, compulsory detention applies to flocks of 50 or more birds, as well as smaller flocks where eggs or poultry products are sold or supplied.
Scotland remains under a precautionary zone which requires enhanced biosecurity, but housing is not compulsory unless the bird is within a specific disease control zone.
Additional restrictions apply to properties located within Conservation Monitoring Zones, including restrictions on the movement of birds, eggs, trash, and manure without a permit.
Despite the pressure of the epidemic, the market situation for cage-free egg producers remains favorable, demand continues to increase, and farm gate prices remain steady.
“This comes at the same time that a surge in demand for free-range eggs is delivering attractive returns to farmers, with market values up more than 50% in the past three years and the sector projected to grow by more than 10% by 2030,” Mr Warwood said.
He said current profits should be used to strengthen the long-term resilience of farms.
“Although it is impossible to completely eradicate the risk of AI to herds, a focus on maintaining and improving infrastructure will go a long way in reducing disease risk,” she said.
Industry advisors continue to highlight poor building maintenance as a common route for disease to enter poultry facilities.
“Poor maintenance of buildings is one of the most common causes of disease introduction into herds,” Ms Warwood said.
He cited gutters, drainage and rodent control as priority investment areas to reduce exposure to contaminated water and wildlife.
“Water is a major source of pollution, and AI can survive in cold water for more than 100 days,” she says.
Ms Warwood said this highlighted the importance of keeping gutter systems in good condition, checking regularly for leaks and ensuring water is directed away from chicken houses.
He added that attention should also be paid to hard standing, drainage, rat protection around mud and egg belts, and wheel washing equipment that cleans the entire circumference of the tires of vehicles entering and exiting the farm.
Reviewing gates and fences can also help strengthen structural biosecurity and limit unnecessary access to poultry facilities.
“Farmers should also review gates and fencing installed around farms to strengthen structural biosecurity and minimize the number of people on site,” she said.
Mr Warwood said that alongside wider measures such as AI insurance, Stonegate was offering practical support to producers looking to strengthen biosecurity on their farms.
With the current avian influenza outbreak still ongoing and regulations still in place, producers are encouraged to consider investing in biosecurity as a long-term safeguard to protect the survival of their flocks and operations beyond the immediate disease threat.
