Mandatory Indoor Housing for Poultry Imposed in Parts of England Due to Bird Flu Increase

The government has announced that all poultry and other captive birds in specific areas of Yorkshire and the East of England must be housed indoors starting December 23. This measure is being implemented to curb the transmission of bird flu. This directive will become effective at midday on Monday, encompassing the regions of East Riding of Yorkshire, Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Ministers made this determination subsequent to receiving recommendations from the United Kingdom’s Chief Veterinary Officer. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated that its actions are a response to the “escalating local risk and number of cases of bird flu.” Defra indicated that these heightened measures are not expected to affect the availability of Christmas turkeys or other poultry. A spokesperson confirmed, “The slaughtering of turkeys and other seasonal birds for the Christmas market is well underway and near complete.” These supplementary actions are being implemented in addition to the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), which was established in the region on December 13. Christine Middlemiss, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer, noted a “growing number of bird flu cases on commercial farms and backyard birds” within these specific locations. She further stated, “We have taken action to try and prevent the further spread of disease and urge bird keepers to comply with the new housing measures.” Middlemiss emphasized, “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.” Defra recommended that bird keepers consult the interactive map to ascertain if they are affected and review the housing measure declaration for detailed requirements. The government reaffirmed that the present risk to human health continues to be very low, and that poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe for consumption when properly cooked.