The UK government has directed that all poultry and captive birds in England be kept indoors starting Thursday, November 6, following a significant rise in avian influenza infections nationwide.
In a statement released on Tuesday, November 4, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced that the new housing order applies to all keepers with more than 50 birds, as well as those who sell or distribute eggs. The measure forms part of an expanded strategy to curb the rapid spread of the virus.
According to DEFRA, “All bird keepers across England must house their poultry and captive birds if they keep more than 50… or if they sell or give eggs away.”
The directive broadens earlier restrictions that were limited to parts of northern, central, and eastern England, extending them to the entire country.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said the expansion was essential given the rising number of infections.
“Due to the continued increase in avian influenza cases in both kept and wild birds across England, we are taking the difficult step of extending housing measures nationwide,” she stated.
While the outbreak poses a serious threat to the poultry sector, authorities reassured the public that the risk to human health remains low and that properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe for consumption.
Data from the European Surveillance for Animal Health (ESA) shows that between August 1 and late October, Europe recorded 85 avian flu outbreaks, including 28 in the final week alone. Six of those were reported in the UK.
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