Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Avian Influenza: Housing measures for kept birds to be introduced

08 December 2020 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Proposed by Victoria Prentis Con Banbury

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • UK government to introduce housing measures for kept birds in the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone starting December 14.
  • All bird keepers must house their birds or separate them from wild birds to prevent avian influenza spread.
  • Similar measures will be implemented by the Scottish and Welsh Governments.

Issue summary

The UK government is implementing new measures to address the ongoing High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza outbreak.

Action requested

A housing measure for kept birds within the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will be introduced from December 14, requiring all bird keepers to house their birds or otherwise separate them from wild birds. The Scottish and Welsh Governments are also implementing similar measures in Great Britain.

Key facts

  • High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza is circulating in the UK and Europe with eight confirmed cases in England.
  • A housing measure will take effect on December 14.
  • Eggs can continue to be marketed as free range if not housed continuously for more than 16 weeks.
  • Poultry meat can also continue to be marketed as free range if not housed for over 12 weeks.
  • Registration on the Poultry Register is mandatory for those with flocks over 50 birds.
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