Measures over bird flu remain in place near Bakewell
It's as some restrictions are being eased nationally
Poultry and captive birds can be kept outside again from Tuesday 18 April as the risk of bird flu eases across the country.
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss has announced that the mandatory housing order for poultry for England and Wales will be lifted, and birds can be kept outside unless they are in a protection zone or captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone.
In Derbyshire though, a captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone remains in place in the Bakewell area following an outbreak of bird flu in January, and those in that zone must still be housed until these specific restrictions are lifted.
The 3km area was put into operation at the start of the year after strains of the disease were confirmed in captive birds.
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said:
“Bird keepers across Derbyshire will welcome the lifting of these mandatory housing measures but it’s really important they keep up the good work and continue to be strict with their biosecurity measures as this will help to keep their birds safe.
“I know that bird keepers, our trading standards officers and all the partner agencies have been working hard to keep flocks safe and it’s been a difficult time due to the number of outbreaks across the country, with 5 outbreaks in Derbyshire in the past 12 months.
“It really shows that it’s more important than ever for bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease, maintain high standards of biosecurity and try to prevent future outbreaks.”