England will require some poultry and captive-bird keepers to move their birds indoors starting Nov. 13, while Scotland’s nationwide measures set biosecurity rules for bird enclosures as avian influenza detections increase.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) set the English order’s start at 00:01 GMT Nov. 13, which converts to 7:01 p.m. ET Thursday, Nov. 12. It covers keepers with 50 or more birds, as well as those with smaller flocks who sell or give away eggs, poultry products or live birds. Defra’s notice lists exceptions in some circumstances, including for some zoo birds.
A separate England-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), requiring biosecurity measures from all bird keepers, took effect at 4 a.m. ET Wednesday, Nov. 11, converted from the notice’s 09:00 GMT start. The requirements also cover owners of pet birds and small backyard flocks.
Scotland’s AIPZ began at 7 a.m. ET Tuesday, Nov. 10, converted from its stated noon GMT start. Keepers must fence areas for free-ranging birds and fence off ponds and watercourses. The rules also call for disinfecting footwear, minimizing movement in and out of bird enclosures, separating domestic ducks and geese from other poultry, and providing feed and water in enclosed areas.
Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas cited the risk of migratory birds bringing the virus into the country. “Maintaining strict biosecurity is the most effective method of protecting birds from the virus,” Voas said.
The requirements add housing and biosecurity duties for keepers; the announcements did not estimate compliance costs. Defra said it does not expect an overall effect on Christmas turkey availability and noted the UK produces about 8 million turkeys a year. The UK Health Security Agency says the risk to public health is very low, and the Food Standards Agency says properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat.
A previous round of English housing restrictions was lifted April 9 after risk levels fell. EconoTimes previously covered the English housing requirement. Defra says the English order and prevention zone will be reviewed; Scotland’s zone remains in force until further notice and will also be reviewed.
