Vaccine against bird flu "hopefully available by next year", says Norfolk poultry farmer
Mandatory housing-order restrictions, aimed at containing the virus, have today come to an end
A Norfolk Poultry farmer has told us that a vaccine against bird flu will "hopefully be available by next year".
It comes as mandatory housing-order restrictions, aimed at containing the virus, have today come to an end.
The animals have been kept inside since November across the country.
"We are still on very high alert"
Mark Gorton is the owner of Traditional Norfolk poultry, based in Shropham:
"It's a big decision to put a housing order in place. There were two cases of bird flu last week but that hasn't changed the situation.
"I wouldn't expect anything dramatic to change between now and the autumn. However, we've learnt now that the autumn is when it comes back in earnest. Fingers crossed it won't be as bad in the coming season.
"We are still on very high alert because we mustn't forget that this disease is still there. There is a lot of trepidation around at the moment, but with the weather like it is, it couldn't come at a better time. The chickens should really enjoy themselves."
"There is a lot of work to sort out and I'm involved in that personally"
"The industry and the powers to be are in agreement that a vaccine is the only way forwards. There is a lot of work to sort out and I'm involved in that personally. I'm confident that we will have a vaccine probably ready for next year."
He told us what this means for consumers:
"Well it means the chickens can now be sold as free-range. Everyone knows that we have had them indoors over the last few months for their own good. But we want our birds to go outside and our customers love to think that they have been running outside as well."
What has the Government said?
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."