Restrictions on poultry housing that were put in place to curb the spread of Avian Flu, are to be lifted at the beginning of May. 
 

The UK Chief Veterinary Officers have announced that the mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds will be lifted from 00:01 on Monday May 2. 
 

The latest national guidance can be found here >> https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu 
 

The Avian Influenza Preventions Zone (AIPZ) will still remain in force across the UK until further notice, with only the housing measures component being lifted. 
 

This means all bird keepers (whether they have pet birds, a commercial sized or a backyard flock) must be diligent in continuing to take effective and precautionary biosecurity measures including cleansing and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles, limiting access to non-essential people on their sites, and workers changing clothing and footwear before entering and when leaving bird enclosures. 
 

Elizabeth Morgan, Director of Public Health at Northumberland County Council said: 

“This is good news for people in the county who keep birds, whether it’s a commercial flock or just a few back garden hens. 
 

“However, just because the legal limits are being relaxed we still need to remain vigilant and act cautiously. Poultry keepers need to keep up high standards of biosecurity because bird flu could still be around or return. 
 

“We are advising bird keepers to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, report suspected disease immediately and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.” 
 

Those who intend to allow their birds outside are advised to use the upcoming days to prepare their outside areas for the release of their birds. This will include cleansing and disinfection of hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroduction of wild bird deterrents. 
 

The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of Avian Flu with over 100 cases confirmed across the country since late October, including outbreaks in Northumberland. 
 

In a joint statement, the four Chief Veterinary Officers said: “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 thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets, who have played their part in keeping flocks safe this winter, that we are in a position to take this action. However, the recent cases of avian influenza show that it’s vital that bird keepers remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”