Bird flu 'national housing order' comes into force
Anyone who keeps birds or poultry is being ordered to keep them indoors from today
Last updated 7th Nov 2022
A 'national housing' order has come into force for all poultry and captive birds after the UK's worst-ever bird flu outbreak led to the death of more than five-million birds in a year.
The Government rules mean those who keep a few chickens in their backyard - through to large-scale free range bird farmers - must keep the animals indoors to stop them interacting with wild birds which have been spreading the disease.
With no end date for the 'housing order' there is concern some farmers will not try to house birds next year - due to uncertainty. Most bird producers order their birds for the following Christmas immediately after the Christmas just gone.
Farmer Richard Tucker produces cattle and geese each year at his farm in Devon
Some smaller turkey, goose and chicken farmers say they're worried they'll be put out of business this Christmas - as they struggle to compete with supermarkets due to rising costs and the impacts of bird flu.
Andy Grey from M C Kelly Ltd supplies meat across the West Country
The Government said everyone must keep their birds inside regardless of the type of bird or numbers kept.
They are also being urged to follow other biosecurity measures mandated by the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone at all times to protect their flock and prevent the risk of future outbreaks.
These include cleansing and disinfecting footwear and clothing before and after contact with birds, reducing the movement of people on to premises and storing bedding properly so it does not get contaminated by wild birds.
The Government has warned owners that avian influenza could kill house birds if action is not taken.
The National Farmers' Union in the South West has issued advice
Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer, said: "Many poultry keepers in England have excellent biosecurity standards but we know that one small mistake is all it takes to introduce bird flu on to premises and kill flocks.
"A housing order alone will not be enough to reduce infection rates. Implementing scrupulous biosecurity and separating flocks from wild birds remains the best form of defence.
"Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from today onwards they must be housed under cover to protect them from this highly infectious disease."
The British Hen Welfare trust has issued advice to 'keep your hens happy |newtab)' during their lockdown, with founder Jane Howorth saying she thinks the virus needs a global response and 'change of culture'
The UK Health Security Agency continues to advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low.
The Food Standards Agency advice that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers also remains unchanged.
The bird flu advice from Defra can be found here