England bird flu order sends large poultry flocks indoors

The UK government has ordered keepers of large poultry flocks in England to keep their birds indoors from November 13 because of increased risk from avian influenza.

The mandatory housing order applies to anyone with 50 or more poultry birds. It also applies to keepers who sell or give away eggs or poultry products.

Officials confirmed four bird flu cases in domestic poultry in Britain between September 30 and a November 6 assessment. In that assessment, the risk level for wild birds across Britain was raised from medium to high after 16 cases of one strain were detected in species in England over the same period.

The government also introduced immediate mandatory biosecurity measures, including disinfecting footwear and regularly cleaning and disinfecting housing and concrete walkways.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss urged bird keepers to follow the housing measures, maintain biosecurity and report suspected disease. The government department responsible for the sector said it did not currently expect an overall impact on Christmas turkey or other seasonal poultry availability. It said the risk to human health remains very low.