Free-range eggs to return to supermarket shelves after bird flu measures are eased

Free-range eggs are set to return to supermarket shelves across Scotland once again after bird flu prevention measures were eased.

Bird keepers were required to keep poultry inside from November last year as the UK faced its largest ever outbreak of Avian Influenza over the winter period.

More than 100 cases were confirmed across the country, with some identified in Scottish sites.

But this measure has now been lifted, which means that free-range eggs will finally return to the supermarket shelves once again.

Shoppers have been unable to pick up the eggs from a number of shops since March this year due to the UK-wide health measures.

It was the first time in years that many major UK supermarkets have put non free-range eggs back on the shelves, as many of them had policies in place to only sell free-range.

Bird keepers will only be required to house poultry if they are in a designated protection zone.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that the bird flu threat level has also been reduced to medium.

More than 100 cases of bird flu have been identified in the UK since last year's outbreak - including some in Scotland (PA)

All poultry gatherings remain banned, while bird keepers must ensure they are applying enhanced safety measures to prevent further outbreaks of bird flu.

The measures include cleansing and disinfecting equipment, limiting access to non-essential people on sites and workers must change their clothes and footwear before leaving and entering bird enclosures.

In a joint statement, the four Chief Veterinary Officers of the UK said: “Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical 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 recent cases of avian influenza show that it’s vital that bird keepers remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.