England will require certain poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors from Nov. 13, as authorities respond to rising avian influenza confirmations in kept flocks and findings among wild birds.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss ordered the housing measure, which takes effect at 00:01 UTC on Friday, Nov. 13. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) announced it Nov. 11, citing an elevated threat and an increasing number of confirmed cases in kept birds.
The housing rule applies to keepers with 50 or more birds, as well as those who sell or give away eggs, poultry products or live birds. It covers poultry and other captive birds, with exceptions in certain cases, including some zoo birds.
A separate Avian Influenza Prevention Zone took effect immediately across England. Its biosecurity requirements cover every bird keeper, including owners of pet birds and small backyard flocks. Keepers must keep records and report changes in egg production, regularly clean and disinfect bird housing and concrete walkways, and disinfect footwear. They must also clean clothing, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with birds, use disposable protective clothing when practical, and limit the movement of people, vehicles and equipment into bird-keeping areas.
Other steps include controlling vermin, maintaining fresh disinfectant at the required concentration at entry and exit points, and minimizing contact between kept birds and wild birds. Poultry must be kept away from ponds and watercourses and in enclosed or fenced areas; feed and water must be inaccessible to wild birds.
Middlemiss urged keepers to watch for signs of illness and promptly report suspected cases to the Animal and Plant Health Agency. She said confirmed avian influenza in a flock can have devastating consequences and thanked the poultry sector for its continued cooperation.
Defra says the UK produces around 8 million turkeys a year and does not currently expect the measures to affect the overall availability of Christmas turkeys or other seasonal poultry. The risk to human health remains very low; the Food Standards Agency (FSA) says eating poultry, poultry products and eggs after proper cooking is safe. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is monitoring for signs that the level of risk is changing.
