Avian influenza: Housing order to be introduced

Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds are to be introduced from 00:01 on Monday 7 November, following a decision by the 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.

This will extend the mandatory housing measures already in force to the whole of England, following an increase in the national risk of bird flu in wild birds to very high.

Over the last year, the UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of avian influenza with over 200 cases confirmed since late October 2021. The introduction of the housing measures comes after the disease was detected at over 70 premises since the beginning of October, as well as multiple reports in wild birds.

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

Find out more:  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-housing-order-to-be-introduced-across-england