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Poultry housing measures set to end
Poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed, unless they are in a protection zone.
Captive birds will be allowed outside from 2 May.

Mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds will be lifted on Monday (2 May), the UK's chief veterinary officers have confirmed.

The introduction of housing measures came into force in December 2021 as part of the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ), making it a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their flocks indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures.

In a joint statement, the four chief veterinary officers said that from 00.01 on Monday 2 May 2022, poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed, unless they are in a protection zone, and may be allowed outside. 

While the risk of bird flu has been reduced to ‘medium’ for premises with poor biosecurity, the CVOs said that the enhanced biosecurity requirements - introduced as part of the AIPZ - will remain in force as infection may still be circulating in the environment for several more weeks. All poultry gatherings will also remain banned. 

Since late October, the UK has seen its largest-ever epidemic of avian flu, with more than 100 cases identified throughout the country.

Poultry keepers intending to let their birds outside are being advised to use the coming 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.

The four Chief Veterinary Officers 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 recent cases of avian influenza show that it’s vital that bird keepers remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity."

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.