Defra mandates bird housing in Eastern counties

From noon on 23 December, all bird keepers in Suffolk, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, the East Riding of Yorkshire and the City of Kingston upon Hull must follow the order to house all of their kept birds.  

Defra, basing their decision on advice from the United Kingdom’s Chief Veterinary Officer, have introduced this mandatory order in order to protect poultry and other captive birds. This comes in response to escalating local risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the aforementioned counties and in the wake of a number of confirmed HPAI cases. 

This means from noon on 23 December all bird keepers in East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock must keep their birds housed to protect them from HPAI. These measures are in addition the requirement to follow the stringent biosecurity measures which have been in force across the area since the 13 December as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ). Zones can be seen on this interactive map. 

Bird keepers are advised to consult the interactive map to check if they are impacted and should then read the new regional AIPZ with housing measure declaration which sets out the requirements in East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. 

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss is quoted on the Defra website as saying: 

“There continues to be a growing number of bird flu cases on commercial farms and in backyard birds across East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. We have taken action to try and prevent the further spread of disease and urge bird keepers to comply with the new housing measures. 

Bird keepers must continue to exercise robust biosecurity measures, remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.” 

Details on the mandatory action of the housing measure are also available on the government website, and are copied here for ease: 

• House all poultry and captive birds (except in specific circumstances e.g. zoo birds) 

• Keep feed and bedding inside 

• 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 

• Carry out effective vermin control in any areas where poultry and captive birds are kept 

• Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing and concrete walkways on a continuous basis 

• Keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points 

• Make your premises unattractive to wild birds (e.g. use bird scarers, foils or streamers) 

It should be stressed that risk to human health remains very low and properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat. UKHSA remains vigilant for any evidence of changing levels of risk and are keeping this under constant review. 

Bird keepers are encouraged by Defra to take action to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading. Be vigilant for signs of disease and report it to keep your birds safe.