April 27, 2022

UK mandatory housing order for poultry to be lifted May 2

The UK is set to lift a mandatory housing order for poultry on May 2, as the threat of bird flu has declined following the country's worst outbreak of the virus, Reuters reported.

The four Chief Veterinary Officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland jointly announced the move, which opens the way for free range eggs to be produced.

The mandatory housing order for bird keepers to keep poultry indoors was implemented on November 29, 2021.

Free-range laying hens in the UK can be kept indoors for up to 16 weeks in the case of a bird flu outbreak, and their eggs can still be labelled free range. This is the same as European Union standards.

All UK eggs from confined free-range birds have required to be labelled as barn eggs since March 21. 

James Mottershead, chair of the National Farmers Union poultry board, said poultry farmers have worked tremendously hard to avoid the threat of bird flu and it will be a huge relief that they can finally allow their birds outdoors.

-      Reuters