April 12, 2023

 

UK poultry can be kept outside as bird flu risk eases

 

The UK government said poultry and captive birds can be kept outside from next week, as the risk of bird flu eases, BBC reported.

 

Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer, said the mandatory housing order for England and Wales will be lifted at 00:01 on Tuesday, April 18.

 

The measures were put in place during the world's largest bird flu outbreak in history.

 

Over the last year, the UK has seen over 330 confirmed cases and 4 million birds culled.

 

The decision means that eggs laid by hens with access to outdoor areas can once again be labelled as "free-range."

 

Dr Middlemiss has warned that "scrupulous standards" of biosecurity must be maintained because bird flu is expected to still be circulating in the environment for several weeks.

 

She said the unprecedented nature of this outbreak has proven it is more important than ever for bird keepers to remain vigilant.

 

Robert Gooch, chief executive of the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (Bfrepa), said free-range egg producers will be relieved to see their hens outside again.

 

Northern Ireland's birds remain under lockdown, but the housing order in Scotland was never implemented after the country's chief vet said the evidence did not justify such a move.

 

-      BBC