OvertheCounter
    Twitter LinkedIn
    • Email Newsletters
    • Magazine Subscriptions
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    Twitter LinkedIn
    CPD Log-In
    OvertheCounter
    • News
      • Dairy / Beef
      • Sheep
      • Pigs / Poultry
      • Equine
      • Companion
      • Retail
      • Training
    • Magazines
      1. March 2023
      2. January 2023
      3. November 2022
      4. National SQP Awards Supplement 2022
      5. September 2022
      6. July 2022
      Featured

      Over the Counter – January 2023

      By Simon KingJanuary 9, 2023
      Recent

      Over the Counter – March 2023

      March 20, 2023

      Over the Counter – January 2023

      January 9, 2023

      Over the Counter – November 2022

      November 9, 2022
    • CPD Training
      • AMTRA CPD Modules
        • Frontline Academy
        • Companion Animal CPD Modules
        • Equine CPD modules
        • Livestock CPD Modules
        • Poultry CPD Modules
        • Are you a Gold Standard SQP?
      • VETPOL CPD Modules
        • Companion Animal CPD Modules
        • Livestock CPD Modules
        • Poultry CPD Modules
      • Earning CPD points with overthecounter.news
      • CPD Log-In
    • National SQP Awards
    OvertheCounter
    Pigs / Poultry

    Chief Vet urges bird keepers to maintain scrupulous biosecurity standards as housing measures lifted

    Simon KingBy Simon KingMay 3, 2022No Comments3 Mins Read
    LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email

    The mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds, which were introduced across the United Kingdom to help stop the spread of bird flu, have been lifted.

    Poultry and other captive birds no longer need to be housed, unless they are in a Protection Zone, and can be kept outside. While the risk of bird flu has been reduced to ‘medium’ for premises with poor biosecurity, the enhanced biosecurity requirements that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in force as infection may still be circulating in the environment for several more weeks. All poultry gatherings will remain banned.

    The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu with over 100 cases confirmed across the country since late October. Scrupulous biosecurity is the most effective method of disease control available, and all bird keepers should apply enhanced measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks.

    Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.

    Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find and instead report them to the relevant helpline below. There is no impact on the consumption of properly cooked poultry products including eggs.

    UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe.

    Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer
    Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer

    “It is thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets, who have played their part in keeping flocks safe this winter, that we are in a position to take this action. However, the recent cases of avian influenza show that it’s vital that bird keepers remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”

    Advice to poultry keepers

    All bird keepers must keep a close watch on them for signs of disease and maintain good biosecurity at all times. If you have any concerns about the health of your birds, seek prompt advice from your vet.

    Poultry keepers must:

    • cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing;
    • reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control;
    • thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis;
    • keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points; and
    • minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds.
    Share. LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email
    Previous ArticleGovernment decision to delay import checks requirement by up to 18 months “flies in the face of common sense”
    Next Article NOAH welcomes Paul Dick & Associates Ltd into membership

    Read Similar Stories

    Avian Influenza prevention zone declared across whole of Great Britain

    Avian influenza found in poultry site in Anglesey

    Housing order introduced in Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex to protect poultry and captive birds

    Most Read

    Organisers herald successful PATS Sandown show

    March 28, 2023

    Forthglade unveils new multi-functional treats

    March 28, 2023

    Jollyes opens its flagship store in Scunthorpe

    March 27, 2023

    Any animal medicine advertising or promotion should conform to the ‘code of practice’ of the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH).
    For full details contact the publisher or www.noah.co.uk.

    Lewis Business Media Ltd endeavours to make articles and statements as accurate as possible.

    © 2023 Lewis Business Media. All Rights Reserved.
    Lewis Business Media, Suite A, Arun House, Office Village, River Way, Uckfield, TN22 1SL

    Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions

    The OTC "tick" mechanism is the copyright of Lewis Business Media Ltd ©2022

    • Pet Business World
    • Pest
    • Pig World
    • Poultry News

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    Powered by CookieYes Logo

    Insert/edit link

    Enter the destination URL

    Or link to existing content

      No search term specified. Showing recent items. Search or use up and down arrow keys to select an item.