Bird flu measures to be lifted – with poultry allowed outdoors once more, however chicken keepers urged to remain vigilant

Bird flu safety measures can be lifted later this month, however chicken keepers have been urged to stay vigilant in an effort to forestall additional outbreaks of the illness.

The guidelines have been in place since 7 November final 12 months, making it a authorized requirement to maintain the animals inside and to comply with stringent biosecurity measures to assist shield flocks.

From 18 April, birdkeepers can be allowed to maintain their flocks outdoors once more, and eggs laid by poultry saved open air will be labelled as “free-range” as soon as extra.

However, the foundations will stay in place if these birds are saved in a chosen safety zone.

The danger stage has been set at medium for areas which have what the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) describes as “poor” biosecurity measures, with in every single place else receiving a “low” danger evaluation.

Birdkeepers will now have per week to organize their outside enclosures, which is able to embody disinfecting surfaces and fencing off ponds.

There have been greater than 330 instances of confirmed avian flu instances throughout the UK since October 2021, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) warning that, whereas uncommon, the public ought to stay vigilant about avian flu reaching people.

Though, as lately as February, an 11-year-old lady in Cambodia died after contracting the illness.

And final week, scientists on the authorities’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) informed Sky News there are considerations over one other summer time of infections forward of seabirds returning to the UK for nesting season.

Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, stated: “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 due to the laborious work of all chicken keepers and vets who’ve performed their half in maintaining flocks secure this winter that we’re ready to take this motion.

“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 hold birds are being urged to register their flocks.

The UKHSA stated the risk to people stays low, as does the chance to meals security within the UK.