Reminder - new requirement to keep all poultry indoors from Monday

Members with poultry are reminded that new requirement to keep all poultry indoors will come into force across the UK on Monday, December 14.

The new requirements were announced by the Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland and Wales last week in response to the high number of avian influenza cases being found in both wild and captive birds in the UK.

The new housing measures mean that it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.

Government Chief Veterinary Officers are encouraging bird keepers to use the next 11 days to prepare for new housing measures, including taking steps to safeguard animal welfare, consult their vet and where necessary put up additional housing.

The most recent cases to be confirmed include turkey farms near Northallerton, in North Yorkshire. 

We understand that pig farms might be caught up in the Temporary Control Zone that has been established. 

If avian flu is found in birds on your unit, movement restrictions will be put in place, which can have implications for your pigs and the wider supply chain.

The NPA continues to urge all members with poultry on their unit (whether commercial or backyard) to follow strict biosecurity measures. We also remind producers with ponds and standing water to net these areas (where possible) to deter wild birds from utilising them.

We’ve put together a Q&A, which can be viewed in our Members' Area Hot Topics section.