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May 2022

Last Updated: 29/04/2022

Environment

'Hen lockdown' in Harrogate district ends today

by Thomas Barrett

| 02 May, 2022

The order began in November after cases of avian flu were identified across the country. It meant hens and other birds had to be kept indoors for almost six months.

A government order for bird owners to keep their animals inside to prevent the spread of bird flu ends today.

The order began in November after cases of avian influenza were identified across the country.

It meant hens and other birds have had to be kept indoors for almost six months.

There is no evidence that the virus can affect humans but it is highly contagious among birds and can wipe out poultry flocks.

But the government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) now says it is safe to relax the rules due to a low number of cases.

In a joint statement, the four chief veterinary officers said:

"Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe.

"It is thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets, who have played their part in keeping flocks safe this winter, that we are in a position to take this action. However, the recent cases of avian influenza show that it’s vital that bird keepers remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity."

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'Hen lockdown' in Harrogate district ends today

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