Housing measures for poultry and captive birds to come into force from 29 November

26 November 2021

North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) is reminding anyone who keeps birds that they will legally have to keep their birds housed from Monday 29 November to minimise the risk of avian flu.

The legal requirement, which has come from the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, has been brought in following several cases of avian influenza across the UK in recent weeks.

It is vital that anyone who keeps poultry or other captive birds, ensures they are kept housed, or where this is not possible on welfare grounds, birds must be kept in fully enclosed or netted outdoor areas.Cllr David Brackenbury, NNC’s Executive Member for Growth & Infrastructure

We know this is not going to be easy for bird keepers, but I hope everyone can appreciate why the Government has taken this decision. I would urge anyone who has a responsibility for birds to look at the advice and make sure you are following the current rules.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of NNC

From 29 November, bird keepers must:

• House birds in accordance with the rules
• 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
• 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

All keepers of:

• poultry and other captive birds, including pet birds must now comply with the minimum biosecurity measures.
• 500 or more poultry or other captive birds must also comply with enhanced biosecurity measures.
• keepers of poultry and other captive birds must comply with the housing measures.

There is more information about the rule changes on the GOV.UK website.