Staffordshire Bird Keepers Urged to Protect Flocks as Avian Flu Housing Order Begins

Bird keepers across Staffordshire are being reminded to follow strict biosecurity measures as a national housing order comes into force to help prevent the spread of avian flu.

Bird keepers across Staffordshire are being reminded to follow new measures designed to protect their flocks and help reduce the spread of avian flu.

The measures apply to everyone who keeps birds, from commercial poultry businesses to people with just a few hens at home.

From today (Friday 13th November), poultry and other captive birds across England must be housed as part of a national housing order introduced following an increase in cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Poultry enterprises must keep their birds housed if they have 50 or more birds, or sell or give away eggs, poultry products or live birds. Whilst birds are housed, measures must be in place to ensure the birds have enough space, food and water and that their welfare needs are met.

All bird keepers must put in place strict biosecurity measures, prevent contact with wild birds and their droppings, and maintain good biosecurity.

Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience  at Staffordshire County Council said:

“We know bird keepers care greatly about the health and welfare of their animals, and these measures are about helping everyone protect their birds.

“Whether you run a poultry business or keep a handful of hens at home, simple steps such as keeping birds housed, maintaining good hygiene and preventing contact with wild birds can make a real difference.

“We’d encourage all bird keepers to familiarise themselves with the latest guidance and play their part in helping to reduce the spread of avian flu.”

Bird keepers should remain alert for signs of illness and report suspected cases promptly.

Further advice on the housing measures and protecting birds from avian influenza is available on GOV.UK

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