COMPULSORY housing measures for poultry and captive birds to try to control the spread of bird flu are set to be lifted at the end of this month, chief veterinary officers say

The housing measures, which were introduced across Great Britain in December as one of a range of measures to stop the spread of avian influenza, have been a vital tool in protecting flocks across the country from the disease circulating in wild birds, the officers says.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Scottish Government and Welsh Government have been working closely with industry and bird keepers to ensure that there are strict biosecurity measures in and around poultry premises to help keep flocks safe.

Measures put in place have been successful in helping to contain the disease and, provided that there are no new significant cases between now and the end of March, the current measures are due to be relaxed.

The last confirmed case in poultry in Great Britain was on February 12 in Scotland.

An outbreak was found in Herefordshire in November, and Avara Foods, which has a factory in Red Barn Drive, Hereford, confirmed the broiler breeder site near Leominster was in its supply chain.

The strain, H5N8, has not infected any humans worldwide to date, the NHS says.

A control zone was put in place around the farm, which the Hereford Times understands was in Knapton between Hereford and Leominster, which meant additional restrictions are in place for bird keepers within a 15-mile radius. Measures were stricter again for sites with birds within a three-mile radius.

The restrictions limiting the movement of birds and farms need to be stringent, with other biosecurity measures.

While the risk of bird flu has been reduced to medium, the risk of outbreaks is likely to persist for several weeks, Defra said.

As a result, enhanced biosecurity requirements that were brought in as part of the avian influenza protection zone (AIPZ) on November 11 will remain in place. Good biosecurity is the most effective measure of disease control available.

Bird keepers have been advised by the Government to use the next week to prepare the ranges and outdoor areas for release of the birds. This will include cleansing and disinfection of hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroduction of wild bird deterrents. 

In addition, when the birds are allowed out at the end of March all poultry and captive bird keepers will need to keep taking extra precautions, such as cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles, limiting access to non-essential people on their sites, and workers changing clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures.

In a joint statement, Great Britain’s three chief veterinary officers said it would be “welcome news” for poultry keepers who had put great effort into keeping their flocks safe, but the must continue do their bit to maintain strict biosecurity measures.

Bird keepers and members of the public should continue to report dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 (option 7), and keepers should report suspicion of disease to Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301 and in Wales on 0300 3038268.