Some regulations to protect poultry and captive birds from avian flu are set to be lifted in England and Wales next week. Obligatory housing procedures generated to stop the spread of the infection will be lifted from 12.01 am on Tuesday, April 18 – however, bird keepers are advised to remain vigilant.
Chief veterinary officer Dr Christine Middlemiss stated following a latest evaluation, bird flu danger levels have been minimised, suggesting poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed and can be kept outside, unless they are in a defence zone.
The choice implies that from April 18, eggs laid by hens with access to outdoor areas can return to being marketed as totally free-range eggs.
Over 330 cases have been validated throughout the country since late October 2021. While the risk of bird influenza has been decreased to medium for facilities with poor biosecurity, boosted biosecurity requirements generated as part of the Bird Influenza Prevention Zone will stay in force as infection may still be distributed in the environment for several more weeks.
The risk of bird flu remains evaluated as low, where excellent biosecurity is used. Those who plan to permit their birds outside are encouraged to utilise the approaching days to prepare their outside areas for the release of their birds.
This consists of the cleansing and disinfection of tricky surface areas, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroduction of wild bird deterrents.
Dr Middlemiss said: ” Whilst the lifting of the mandatory real estate measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most crucial form of defence to help keep your birds safe.
” It is thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets who have played their part in keeping flocks safe this winter that we are in a position to take this action.
” However, the extraordinary nature of this outbreak has proven it’s more vital than ever for bird keepers to remain alert for indications of disease and preserve stringent requirements of biosecurity.”
Poultry and captive bird keepers need to:
- clean and sanitise clothes, footwear, equipment and cars prior to and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, utilise disposable protective clothing
- lower the movement of individuals, automobiles or devices to and from locations where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other items, and use efficient vermin control
- completely clean and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
- keep fresh disinfectant at the ideal concentration at all farm and bird 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 available to wild birds
- be vigilant for any indications of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and look for prompt guidance from their vet if they have any issues.
The UKHSA advises that the available evidence recommends viruses presently distributing in birds in the UK do not spread out quickly to individuals and food requirements bodies advise that avian influenzas posture a really low food safety danger for UK consumers.
There is no effect on the consumption of properly prepared poultry items, consisting of eggs.
Bird keepers ought to report suspicion of disease in England to the Defra Rural Providers Helpline on 03000 200 301.
People are advised not to touch dead wild birds and are encouraged to report findings of dead wild birds using the brand-new online reporting system or by calling the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
Jon is a regular contributor to several outdoor living and lifestyle news publications, concentrating on The Lake District. Now living in Glenridding, Jon studied journalism at Edinburgh University.
