Penrith farmer unsure on letting chickens out, as bird flu restrictions lift

Following ongoing monitoring bird flu risk levels have been reduced by the government, meaning poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed and can be kept outside, unless they are in a Protection Zone.

The decision means that from April 18, eggs laid by hens with access to outside range areas can return to being marketed as ‘Free-Range’ eggs.

The scale of avian influenza outbreaks across the UK and Europe has been described as unprecedented, with over 330 cases confirmed across the country since late October 2021.

Those who intend to allow their birds outside are being advised by the government 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.

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."

There are still some concerns within the industry though that it's too early to let birds out.

David Knipes runs a farm near Penrith, he said: "I'm reluctant at the moment because this bird flu is very similar to covid.

"It will get weaker as the weather gets warmer, so when there is a week to ten days of lovely weather then we will look at getting the birds out. At the moment it's too much of a risk in my opinion.

"We want it to be right and safe for our livestock. These aren't just producing animals, these are our actual livestock and we do not want to put them at risk at all.

"Although there could be pressure put on by some big retailers, if they have a contract with farmers, that they put their hens out, especially on the laying side, but there is no insurance for this."

As restrictions lift Poultry and captive bird 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.

The UKHSA advise that the available evidence suggests viruses currently circulating in birds in the UK do not spread easily to people and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. There is no impact on the consumption of properly cooked poultry products, including eggs.