Bird keepers have been given days to prepare to take their birds inside amid growing concerns over an outbreak of avian flu. The Government has issued an order that from Wednesday, October 12, all birds must be housed inside.
The move comes as the UK is continuing to face its biggest ever outbreak of avian influenza. Since last October there have been more than 160 confirmed cases of the virus.
The introduction of the housing measures comes after the disease was detected at 16 premises in the affected areas since the beginning of September. There have also been several reports in wild birds.
The United Kingdom’s Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: "We are seeing a growing number of bird flu cases on commercial farms and in backyard birds across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, and expect the risk to continue rise over the coming months as migratory birds return to the UK.
"We are now taking further action to help protect flocks from this highly infectious and devastating disease. Keepers in these hotspots must continue to follow strict biosecurity standards to protect their flock, and should use the next few days to prepare and move their birds indoors."
Under the housing order all bird keepers in current hotspots of Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex are legally obliged to keep their birds indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the disease, regardless of type or size. Bird keepers are advised to consult the interactive map to check if they are impacted.
The housing measure means bird keepers in the affected area 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
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 regionalised housing measures will remain in force in Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex until further notice. A regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) without housing measures remains in force in Cornwall, Devon, Isles of Scilly and parts of Somerset.
The need to introduce mandatory housing measures as part of the AIPZ in force in the south west or further national AIPZs with or without housing will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to protect flocks. Keepers should report suspicion of disease in their birds to APHA on 03000 200 301.
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