Mandatory housing measures for poultry and flocks of more than 50 captive birds will be lifted from Thursday 9 April in England and Wales, the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed.
The measures were introduced across the whole of England on 6 November last year to prevent the spread of bird flu, News Cover reports, citing the UK government's official website.
The latest risk assessment supported by the best epidemiological and scientific evidence shows that the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) levels in wild birds and poultry has reduced.
This means poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed and can now be kept outside. The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone mandatory biosecurity measures will remain in place until the wild bird risk falls further.
The lifting of housing measures applies to all areas unless keepers are in a Protection Zone or Captive Bird Monitoring (Controlled) Zone - these are areas where there has been a recent HPAI outbreak.
Bird gatherings, such as fairs and markets, remain subject to either a general or specific licence.
