Keepers are urged to maintain high biosecurity standards.
Poultry and captive birds will be allowed outside in England and Wales from 12.01am on Tuesday, 18 April, as the Government lifts mandatory housing measures introduced to prevent the spread of avian influenza.
The move follows a reduction in avian flu risk levels, based on the latest scientific evidence and a new risk assessment.
Some housing requirements will remain in place. Poultry and captive birds within Protection Zones will still have to be kept inside. Mandatory housing measures will also continue in Northern Ireland.
As the rules change, the Government is urging poultry and captive bird keepers to continue to follow the rigorous biosecurity requirements it has set out. Keepers must:
- 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
- thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
- keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and bird 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
- be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.
Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, 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 unprecedented nature of this outbreak has proven it’s more important than ever for bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”
The Welsh government is also urging keepers to be vigilant and continue to follow the guidelines.
Chief veterinary officer for Wales Richard Irvine said: “What is essential now is that keepers, whether it be for a few birds or thousands, keep practicing rigorous hygiene and biosecurity measures to prevent outbreaks of avian influenza.
“This includes continuing to complete the mandatory biosecurity self-assessment checklist to help keepers identify what is needed to protect their birds.
“It’s also vital everyone remains vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and wild birds, reports it and seeks advice immediately if they have any concerns.”
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
