Avian Influenza Update: Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds announced

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Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds are to be introduced to all areas of England from 00:01 on Monday 7 November, following a decision by the United Kingdom’s Chief Veterinary Officer.

The housing measures legally require all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the disease, regardless of type or size.

The order will extend the mandatory housing measures already in force in the hot spot area of Suffolk, Norfolk and parts of Essex to the whole of England following an increase in the national risk of bird flu in wild birds to very high.

The Chief Veterinary Officer is encouraging all bird keepers across England to prepare, including taking steps to safeguard animal welfare, consult their private vet and expand housing where necessary.

The UK Health Security Agency continue to advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency advice remains unchanged, that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat. 

The addition of housing measures to the AIPZ already in force across England means all bird keepers across England must:

♦Housing or netting all poultry and captive birds
♦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
♦Keep records of mortality, movement of poultry and poultry products and any changes in production
♦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
♦Prevent access by poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas

Biosecurity guidance and a biosecurity self-assessment checklist have been published by Defra to assist all bird keepers in instigating and maintaining good biosecurity, which together with further updates on the latest avian influenza situation, can be found via GOV.UK/bird-flu