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The trepidations and relief faced by South Holland poultry keepers is examined by the NFU’s James Peck




In our regular Word on the Ground column, the NFU’s James Peck looks at the impact of lifting avian flu restrictions.

There was a huge sigh of relief for all poultry keepers this week – whether they are large-scale producers or those who have a couple of hens in the back garden – but also some trepidation too.

That’s because mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds, which were introduced across England and Wales to help stop the spread of avian influenza, were lifted on Tuesday this week following the latest assessment of the risk level.

James Peck, Word on the Ground columnist and NFU representativeJames Peck
James Peck, Word on the Ground columnist and NFU representativeJames Peck

This means that poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed and can be kept outside, unless they are in a protection zone.

Whilst the lifting of the measures will be welcome news, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence.

The country’s chief vet, Dr Christine Middlemiss, said “However, the unprecedented nature of this outbreak has proven it’s more important than ever for bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs `of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity,” she added.

I want to emphasise how poultry farmers have worked incredibly hard to minimise the threat of avian influenza and that while the announcement comes as a huge relief, some farmers are feeling anxious about having their flocks return outdoors as infection may still be in circulation.

While the threat of AI has reduced, poultry farmers will continue to do all they can to protect the health and welfare of their birds.

It remains incredibly important that everyone who keeps birds remains vigilant and continues to maintain stringent biosecurity measures.

The risk of AI has been reduced to “medium” for premises with poor biosecurity, but the enhanced requirements that were bought in as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will remain in force.

The risk of AI remains assessed as “low”, where good biosecurity is applied.

We have some excellent information on our website.



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