Defra has broadened its mandatory housing order to include additional regions in England, requiring poultry farmers and backyard bird keepers to house their birds indoors.
From Sunday, February 16, farmers in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Cheshire, Merseyside, and Lancashire must comply with this rule due to the ongoing spread of bird flu. These counties join other areas already under the housing order, such as East Yorkshire, City of Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Shropshire, York, and North Yorkshire.
In all affected areas, farmers and bird keepers must adhere to strict biosecurity measures as part of the England-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), which has been in effect since January 24.
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, made the announcement on February 12, emphasizing that the housing order is a necessary step to mitigate further spread of bird flu, particularly in poultry farming areas. She urged all bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs of the disease, follow biosecurity requirements, and report any suspected cases promptly.
The housing measure applies to all bird keepers—whether commercial, pet, or backyard flock owners—and mandates that birds be housed indoors. This new restriction follows the government’s recent nationwide ban on poultry gatherings, including bird fairs, markets, shows, sales, and exhibitions, which took effect on February 10.
Key Measures for Affected Counties:
- All poultry and captive birds must be housed or netted indoors
- Clean and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment, and vehicles before and after contact with poultry
- Limit movement of people, vehicles, and equipment in and out of poultry areas, with effective vermin control in place
- Maintain records of poultry mortality, movements, and any production changes
- Ensure regular cleaning and disinfection of poultry housing
- Keep fresh disinfectant at the proper concentration at all entry and exit points of poultry housing
Farmers and keepers in the newly affected counties must follow these measures alongside the ongoing biosecurity rules to prevent further avian influenza outbreaks.
