New Mandatory Housing Rules for Poultry Amid Bird Flu Concerns

Recent regulations have taken effect in England, including Shropshire, mandating poultry farmers to implement strict housing measures. These changes are aimed at controlling the spread of bird flu, a devastating disease that can lead to widespread flock culling.

Under the new guidelines instituted this Thursday, poultry keepers with more than 50 chickens and those involved in the sale of poultry products must keep their flocks indoors. The move has sent waves of anxiety through the farming community, as potential outbreaks can severely impact their businesses.

Environmental Enrichment for Poultry

The lockdown not only poses challenges for farmers but also creates stress for the birds themselves. In response, some farmers, including Will Lea from Much Wenlock, have engaged in creative enrichment practices to keep their chickens occupied. Lea runs a farm that houses 32,000 free-range Hy-Line Brown chickens.

“We knew about the latest restrictions four or five days in advance,” Lea explained, allowing them to prepare for their birds. “Enrichment is a huge part of keeping the birds as calm as possible during times like this.”

Among the tools used for enrichment are items like Lucerne bales—essentially dried grass—which can be hung in sheds for the chickens to peck at, providing them with stimulation. “We also use pecking blocks, which are a hard grit that the birds can also peck,” Lea shared.

Decontamination Procedures

As biosecurity becomes increasingly vital, farms are adopting stringent decontamination practices. Farmers are required to change clothes and footwear upon entering bird housing zones to minimize contamination risks. “Footwear is the most important,” Lea stated, emphasizing the need for thorough disinfection.

Despite the potential disruptions to their livelihoods, many farmers, including Lea, support the guidelines. “We might remove things on the range to deter wild birds from coming too close to the sheds,” he noted, highlighting the preventive measures in place.

As the poultry industry navigates this challenging period, the focus remains on safeguarding both flocks and financial stability.

Source: BBC News