All poultry and captive birds in England will have to be kept indoors from Thursday 6 November as the government extends compulsory containment measures to curb the spread of bird flu.
The measures come in response to a sharp rise in cases in several areas and form part of the newly announced Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), which is currently in force across the UK.
Defra said the decision was necessary to “prevent bird flu and stop its spread”. Previously, only certain high-risk areas of England were subject to housing requirements.
However, starting at noon on November 6, the order will apply nationwide. This means bird keepers must either contain all poultry and captive birds or completely separate them from wild birds.
Under the new rules, anyone who keeps more than 50 birds of any kind, including poultry and other captive birds, must comply with housing and biosecurity requirements.
This measure also applies to people keeping any number of poultry if the birds, their eggs or products are sold or transferred.
However, if you are keeping fewer than 50 birds solely for your own use, you do not need to keep them in captivity, although you must follow strict biosecurity protocols.
A UK-wide AIPZ has also been set up, requiring all bird keepers to take enhanced biosecurity measures, whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or small backyard groups.
These include reporting sudden changes in egg production, maintaining detailed flock records, disinfecting footwear, and continually cleaning and disinfecting housing, sidewalks, and concrete surfaces.
Defra has urged all bird keepers to use the official bird flu map to check which disease control area they fall into and to review government guidance on how to keep their birds safe.
The decision comes after a number of new cases were confirmed in North Yorkshire, Devon, East Sussex, Suffolk and Lincolnshire in recent days.
Since November 1, at least six large commercial poultry farms in the UK alone have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, leading to protective surveillance zones being set up around each facility.
Britain’s chief veterinarian, Christine Middlemiss, said the rising number of cases forced the government to take decisive action.
“Given the continuing rise in the number of avian influenza cases in captive and wild birds across England, we are now taking the difficult step of extending the housing response across England,” he said.
“We appreciate the impact these measures will have on the industry and are very grateful for the continued cooperation of the poultry sector. We have known for some time that breeding birds reduces infection rates below their current high levels.”
“I urge bird keepers to follow the new housing measures, continue strong biosecurity measures, stay alert for signs of disease and immediately report any suspected disease to Animal and Plant Health.”
The Government continues to emphasize that strict biosecurity and hygiene measures are the most effective defense against avian influenza.
Farmers, smallholders and pet bird owners are reminded to regularly clean footwear, vehicles and equipment, limit access to poultry farms and minimize contact between poultry and wild birds.
Mr Defra reiterated that the Housing Order does not remove the need for strong biosecurity, warning that infections could still spread through contaminated surfaces, feed, clothing and bedding.
“To prevent avian influenza and stop its spread, all bird keepers must follow strict biosecurity and hygiene regulations,” the ministry said.
The housing order comes as part of the government’s wider efforts to contain the longest and most severe bird flu outbreak ever recorded in the UK.
Keepers are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest information at gov.uk/bird-flu and report any signs of illness immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Authority (APHA).
