England issues mandatory bird housing order as avian flu risk rises

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 11 Nov, 23:33 · Archive

England's chief veterinary officer has issued a mandatory poultry housing order taking effect from 13 November due to an increased risk and rising number of confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian flu. The measure requires poultry and captive birds to be housed indoors, marking the second consecutive year such restrictions have been imposed across the country.

The housing order applies to all bird keepers who keep 50 or more birds, or those who sell or give away eggs, poultry products or live birds. An England-wide avian influenza prevention zone has also been declared, which comes into force immediately and applies to all keepers, from those with commercial flocks to owners of a few backyard chickens.

Bird keepers subject to the prevention zone must implement robust biosecurity measures to prevent disease transmission. These measures include reporting changes in egg laying patterns, maintaining mandatory records, disinfecting footwear, clothing, vehicles and equipment, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting housing and concrete walkways.

Highly pathogenic avian flu can cause severe disease and death in birds. UK chief vet Christine Middlemiss said: 'Bird keepers are urged to comply with the housing measures and to exercise robust biosecurity, remaining alert for any signs of disease and reporting suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.'

How it is being reported

• Government issues warning to poultry owners as risk of 'devastating' bird flu risesCumbria poultry and captive birds must be housed from November 13 as England's bird flu housing order takes effect, with new avian influenza biosecurity rules.NW Evening Mail · 11 Nov, 17:07
• Government issues warning to poultry owners as risk of 'devastating' bird flu risesCumbria poultry and captive birds must be housed from November 13 as England's bird flu housing order takes effect, with new avian influenza biosecurity rules.News & Star · 11 Nov, 17:07
• Government issues warning to poultry owners as risk of 'devastating' bird flu risesCumbria poultry and captive birds must be housed from November 13 as England's bird flu housing order takes effect, with new avian influenza biosecurity rules.Whitehaven News · 11 Nov, 17:07
• Government issues warning to poultry owners as risk of 'devastating' bird flu risesCumbria poultry and captive birds must be housed from November 13 as England's bird flu housing order takes effect, with new avian influenza biosecurity rules.Westmorland Gazette · 11 Nov, 17:07

In this story: England · Cumbria · Christine Middlemiss · Animal and Plant Health Agency

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log