Nottinghamshire bird keepers must follow new housing order to protect against avian flu

Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds are being introduced to all areas of the country from Monday, November 7.

This means it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds housed and to follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread and eradicate the disease.

Regardless of whether birds are kept commercially or as pets, their owners are legally required to house or net all poultry and captive birds; and cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing.

Other requirements include to reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where birds are kept; to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products; use effective vermin control; keep records of mortality, movement of poultry and poultry products and any changes in production; thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis; and keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points.

Coun John Cottee, Nottinghamshire Council cabinet member for communities, said: “This new housing order is a legal requirement so anyone in possession of poultry or captive birds – whether it be a couple of chickens in a garden coop or a poultry farm – must follow the new measures to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease.”