Northumberland housing order lifted for poultry
20 May 2025
DEFRA has now lifted regional mandatory housing requirements for poultry which had been in place to help limit the spread of Avian Flu.
As of Thursday15th May it was no longer a legal requirement for bird keepers across Northumberland to keep their birds housed.
The relaxation of the rules applies whether you have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock.
As birds may have been housed for several months, there will be a 7-day transition period from 00:01 15 May 2025 until 00:01 22 May 2025 during which, where necessary, previously housed birds must be released gradually to minimise welfare issues
Bird keepers will still be required to adhere to strict biosecurity measures to help keep flocks safe. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles when entering or exiting sites and limiting access to non-essential workers or visitors.
Although UK Health Security Agency has confirmed the risk to public health is very low, Avian Flue is a highly contagious virus that can rapidly spread between wild birds and commercial flocks with devastating consequences.
While the housing restriction has been lifted, there may still be dead or sick wild birds in both inland and coastal areas. Members of the public are being asked not to touch these birds but to report their location to DEFRA via www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds
Providing good location information for a dead or diseased bird is particularly important and location apps such as 'what3words', references can be very helpful.
You can also report dead wild birds by phone: 03459 33 55 77. When you report dead wild birds, they may be collected and tested for bird flu or other cause of death. Not all dead wild birds will be collected.
Darin Wilson, Head of Public Protection for Northumberland County Council said:
“While the lifting of mandatory housing measures will be welcomed by bird keepers, it is still really important that all bird keepers maintain strict biosecurity on their premises to help keep their flocks safe. Please remain vigilant for any signs of disease and if you suspect an outbreak in your flock, please contact DEFRA immediately.”
For further advice
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Full guidance covering biosecurity requirements and other useful information about avian influenza, including the main clinical signs to look out for, can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu. Bird keepers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these details