End of bird housing measures announced by the UK's Chief Veterinary Officers

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officers have announced that the compulsory housing requirement for poultry and captive birds will come to an end on Monday 2 May.

The measures were brought in on 29 November 2021 to control the spread of bird flu. The country has seen unprecedented numbers of cases this year, with over 100 cases confirmed, affecting much of the UK including Cambridgeshire.

However, despite the relaxation of the housing measures, the remaining requirements of the national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will remain in place for all captive birds, whether commercial or backyard flocks, with a continued onus on scrupulous biosecurity. Poultry gatherings will remain banned.

Furthermore, bird keepers who fall within the current 3km Protection zone north of Ely following a confirmed case of bird flu earlier this month are reminded that the extensive restrictions within the Declaratory Order will continue until further notice which includes the requirement to house birds.

Bird keepers in the rest of the county are being encouraged to start preparing outside areas now and Defra have produced guidance on preparatory steps How to prepare for when your free-range birds can be let outside again (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Catherine Pawson, Head of Operations for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Trading Standards, said: “Whilst no doubt bird keepers across the county will be delighted to hear this news, given that cases continue to emerge across the country, including a recent case in Cambridgeshire, it remains imperative that bird keepers continue to take great care over biosecurity to protect their birds from this fatal disease.”

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

Defra is also encouraging all keepers, even those with less than 50 birds, to register their flocks so that they can be notified if a disease outbreak happens near them. For keepers of 50 or more birds, registration is compulsory. To register visit Poultry (including game birds): registration rules and forms - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

For further information about any of the restrictions or for further guidance visit Avian influenza (bird flu) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)