A national housing order will be introduced across England on Monday 7th November making it a legal requirement to house flocks.
Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds are to be introduced to all areas of England from 00:01am on Monday 7th November 2022, following a decision by the United Kingdom’s Chief Veterinary Officer.
The housing measures legally require all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the disease, regardless of type or size.
The addition of housing measures to the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) already in force across England means all bird keepers across England must:
- housing or netting all poultry and captive birds
- 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
- keep records of mortality, movement of poultry and poultry products and any changes in production
- thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
- keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry 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
- prevent access by poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas
Further Information:
Biosecurity guidance and a biosecurity self-assessment checklist have been published by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to assist all bird keepers in instigating and maintaining good biosecurity, which together with further updates on the latest avian influenza situation, can be found via www.GOV.UK/bird-flu.
Reporting suspected bird flu in poultry or captive birds
If you suspect any type of bird flu in poultry or captive birds in England, you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
Published: 31st October 2022
