Avian flu chickens home to roost

Every poultry keeper in the country, including smallholders, hobbyists and those with pet chickens, must follow the avian influenza lockdown rules or risk the disease decimating the entire commercial chicken sector.

With the confirmation of further outbreaks and the threat of more remaining “very high”, the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) which represents farmers who look after 25million birds, has warned that action is needed from all poultry keepers in order to avoid a disaster.

“There have been nearly 300 cases of avian influenza in wild birds but so far strict biosecurity has limited cases at commercial premises to just 21,” said BFREPA chief executive, Robert Gooch

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He said that the organisation had received many reports of small flocks and back-garden poultry keepers not following their legal obligation under the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to house them to prevent contact with wild birds – the source of the virus spread.

And, reminding producers with more than 50 birds that it was a legal obligation to be registered with Defra for tracing in any outbreak, he also encouraged those with fewer to register – even if they were pets.

“Restrictions have been in place since 14 December for all poultry, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, partridges, quails, guinea fowl, pheasants and pigeons bred for meat, to be housed indoors,” he clarified.

“I am deeply concerned to hear reports of poultry seen outdoors during the most serious outbreak of avian influenza we have ever experienced,” said Gooch who said it was imperative that everyone played their part in minimising the spread of the devastating disease.

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