Birds to be housed indoors from Monday

Published date
News category
Trading Standards
Health

Changes are coming into force for the county’s bird keepers from this Monday (29 November).

The County Council’s Trading Standards team have been advised that new bird housing measures will be put in place to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza.

This follows a number of confirmed cases across Great Britain in recent weeks.

The new measures mean that it will once again be a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep their birds indoors.

Bird keepers are also being asked to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.

The rules will apply to everyone, from farms with large broiler units to people who keep a few chickens in the back garden.

Councillor Karen May, Cabinet Member for Health and Well-being at Worcestershire County Council said: “Similar measures had to be introduced last Winter so we hope that local bird keepers will have learned from last years’ experience and be able to move quickly to meet the new requirements. Sadly, our officers have had to follow-up on two outbreaks already this winter, one in county and the other just over the border in Warwickshire where the control zones extended into our area. It must be terrible for farmers and small keepers alike to lose their flocks, so we’d urge them to implement the requirements as quickly as possible.”

DEFRA updated their website yesterday, to reflect an announcement from the Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland confirming the change. 

Chief Vets are encouraging bird keepers to use the next few days to prepare for the new housing measures, including taking steps to safeguard animal welfare, consult their vet and put up additional housing where necessary.

In addition to housing all poultry and captive birds, keepers must continue taking extra precautions to keep their 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.

Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.
Residents are reminded not to touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that are found and instead report them to the relevant helpline below. It is safe to eat cooked poultry and eggs.

Wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter months can carry the disease and this can lead to cases in poultry and other captive birds.

Poultry and captive bird keepers are advised to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.

Bird keepers with any suspicions of the disease should report them to the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.