Avian Flu UK

[AmandaBraddick]

Hiya. As you're probably aware here in the UK we have avian flu and all the restrictions that come with it like housing orders etc etc. This is my first experience of restrictions and finding it difficult to find up to date info on it. Just wondering other peoples experiences.. Where's best to get up to date info? How long did the restrictions last last time? Etc etc. Thanks.

 

[woodworm]

Hi Amanda

Currently all chooks are in flockdown for the whole of the UK. The advice is to keep them in a secure run with ideally a solid roof (or tarpaulins, etc).

The UK Gov website has the latest advice and requirements as bird keepers.

BHWT also has a good advice page and also an interactive map showing current outbreaks. Sadly there is a current one not too far from me in North Wales this week.

I believe last time restrictions lasted 4 months (in 2015 I think). Once the migration season has passed (March) then it's likely restrictions will be eased. Unfortunately due to the migration path of the wildbirds there are Avian flu cases most years with lockdowns happening fairly regular (I think this is the third in the last 10 years).

 

[AmandaBraddick]

Thanks for that. I could only find 29th Dec as the last reported case so pretty disappointed that there's still cases occurring. Just got to sit tight i suppose. I think my ducks and chickens think they've been naughty not being allowed to free range! Roll on March! Thanks again.

 

[DustyDivas]

You can also register (free) & get email updates from APHA:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/poultry-including-game-birds-registration-rules-and-forms

Not just for large flocks, and great for info updates.

 

[DustyDivas]

I think my ducks and chickens think they've been naughty not being allowed to free range! Roll on March!

Yeah, my girls make a very polite queue at the door waiting to be let out, then lie down in protest when I don't open the hatch
They get very angry when I do any gardening without their "help"

 

[woodworm]

Copied and pasted from APHA email

GB Governments have announced plans to lift poultry housing measures from 23:59 on 31 March. The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone mandatory biosecurity measures remain in place for all birds. If you intend to allow your birds outside after 31 March you must take action now to prepare the outside areas, please check the information available at: GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu, GOV.SCOT: https://www.gov.scot/news/avian-influenza-housing-measures-set-to-be-lifted-on-31-march/ and GOV.WALES:https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-housing-measures-set-be-lifted-31-march

 

[DustyDivas]

Copied and pasted from APHA email

GB Governments have announced plans to lift poultry housing measures from 23:59 on 31 March. The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone mandatory biosecurity measures remain in place for all birds. If you intend to allow your birds outside after 31 March you must take action now to prepare the outside areas, please check the information available at: GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu, GOV.SCOT: https://www.gov.scot/news/avian-influenza-housing-measures-set-to-be-lifted-on-31-march/ and GOV.WALES:https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-housing-measures-set-be-lifted-31-march

Yes, just got the email from APHA
Yay!

 

[AmandaBraddick]

YES!! I'm stupidly excited!! Looks like everyone, birds and humans, are coming out of lockdown together!! So so pleased.

 

[HollyWoozle]

I am absolutely thrilled by this news.

 

[PippinTheChicken]

If your poultry have a closed outdoor enclosure (with a roof too) you don't have to keep them in Flockdown (love that pun) just keep them in the enclosure so other -maybe infected- wild birds cant get in...
I hope that helped