'We need a more joined up approach to respond to bird flu'
The British Hen Welfare trust are worried the virus has become 'endemic' and say they already advise keepers to build shelters for birds
Last updated 17th May 2023
There’s calls for more to be done to prevent another national bird flu housing order - possibly later this year.
Captive birds have only relatively recently been allowed back outside - after the disease caused millions to be killed or culled over the Winter.
Francesca Mapp is from the Devon based British Hen Welfare Trust which is working to try and get a more joined up approach to the virus
She said: "There's obviously a concern that it's becoming endemic in the UK and it's something that's going to keep rearing its head.
"We're working with various authorities to figure out how we can tackle this better than just going into a mandatory lockdown as and when it reaches the farm gate."
In November we reported on the impact of a national bird flu housing order |newtab)
It wasn't just farmers and people who kept a few birds at home affected, with Paignton Zoo sharing their 'heartbreak' as avian influenza leads to birds being culled |newtab)
At the time Exmoor Zoo revealed the measures it was taking
In 2022, the first person to catch bird flu in the UK |newtab) was confirmed as a man from Devon
In April, we reported on how now one Norfolk Poultry farmer has told us that a vaccine against bird flu will "hopefully be available by next year |newtab)".
At the time, 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.
"Those who intend to allow their birds outside are advised to use the upcoming days to prepare their outside areas for the release of their birds. This will include cleansing and disinfection of hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroduction of wild bird deterrents."
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