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In Great Britain, the mandatory housing order for poultry has ended. The strict rules have been in place since December. Although exhibitions are still prohibited, the animals are finally allowed to go outside again.
In the UK, the mandatory housing requirement for poultry is coming to an end. The strict rules have been in place since December. While exhibitions remain prohibited, the birds are finally allowed back outside.
The British Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is lifting the mandatory housing measures for poultry that were introduced in December 2024 due to the ongoing avian influenza outbreak. According to Defra, the risk of the disease in wild birds and poultry has now decreased to a level where free-range farming of the birds is again feasible.
However, exemptions will still apply to keepers in protection or surveillance zones where recent outbreaks of avian influenza have occurred. Poultry events such as fairs and shows will continue to be prohibited.
Since last October, around 2.1 million laying hens and young hens have been humanely destroyed to contain the outbreak, the ministry further reported. "Although the lifting of mandatory housing measures is welcomed by poultry keepers, it is essential that farmers continue to adhere to strict biosecurity measures and report any suspicions of disease immediately to the animal and plant health agency," warned the UK's chief veterinary officer, Dr. Christine Middlemiss.
Gary Ford of the British Free Range Egg Producers Association welcomes the flexible approach to lifting the housing order. Producers will now regain control over what is best for the health and well-being of the animals. According to Ford, the housing requirement will end on May 22.
Preparing for outdoor access
Those who wish to let their poultry roam freely should use the coming days to prepare the outdoor areas for safe access and allow the animals to acclimate to the outdoor space. To minimize animal welfare issues, the opening should also be done gradually.
Defra has also reminded poultry keepers that the avian influenza virus can remain infectious in feces, carcasses, and feathers for about 50 days and can remain contagious even longer in wet and stagnant water.
To ensure safe outdoor access, outdoor enclosures and areas must be prepared and biosecurity regulations must be followed. The ministry recommends keepers to:
- Keep wild birds away from domestic poultry and their outdoor spaces.
- Clean and disinfect concrete surfaces and hard surfaces.
- Remove feces, carcasses, and feather deposits and then disinfect the outdoor area with an approved disinfectant suitable for use on floors and outdoor areas.
- Expose heavily contaminated areas to sunlight.
- Fence off or cover standing water or ponds - these areas may be contaminated with wild bird feces.
Biosecurity
Poultry keepers are legally required to adhere to the highest biosecurity standards. In England, Scotland, and Wales, there is an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) that prescribes strict biosecurity regulations. Measures include disinfecting shoes, clothing, vehicles, and equipment before and after entering the premises.
Association President Ford reminds that the avian influenza risk is not eliminated. Although the current risk level has decreased, it remains "medium" with suboptimal biosecurity and "low" with good biosecurity. "The obligation for increased biosecurity remains in place within the avian influenza prevention zone," Ford added.
