Here we have compiled information which should help answer your questions and help you navigate your way with keeping your chickens as safe as possible during times of Avian Influenza.
Firstly although we post alerts to our social media as soon as possible its always best to sign up to the alerts from DEFRA/APHA
You can sign up here..
APHA – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apha-alert-subscription-service
DEFRA – https://preferences.mailshot.defra.gov.uk/
It is mandatory to register your flock if you have more than 50 birds, however it’s advised to register if you only have a few. here is further information
https://youtube.com/shorts/JGrL0HjfalY?feature=share
https://www.surreypoultryvet.co.uk/post/clinical-signs-of-avian-influenza-made-simple
When keeping hens its always best to strive for good levels of hygiene you may already have some things in place, however during times when Avian Influenza is a concern there are biosecurity measures you can put in place and at times these are made mandatory.
As disease can be spread via your footwear/clothing, birds drinking contaminated water/feed, Rats and wild birds to name a few it helps to put plans in place to minimise these.
If Biosecurity measures are made mandatory in your area or even before this you can work to put these in place to protect your birds.
If you own more than 50 birds you must place foot dips containing government approved disinfectant and entry/exit points although this is also advised as good practice if you have less than 50 birds.
A foot dip can be a simple as a plastic cat litter tray with the disinfectant in covered with a lid/piece of wood etc. or better still a lidded plastic storage container, if you can rinse off or pre dip your footwear in a separate plain water to get an loose muck/debris off that is best.
We always advise to cover foot dips to stop them becoming contaminated, diluted by rain or other pets and wildlife getting into them
The 3 most common disinfectants are Virkon , Avisafe or Virocur whichever you choose, make sure you have the dilution rates correct for use in the protection against avian influenza.
Here is a list of DEFRA approved disinfectants
http://disinfectants.defra.gov.uk/DisinfectantsExternal/Default.aspx?Module=ApprovalsList_SI
Other biosecurity you can put in place
Ensure there are no leaks or water ingress to your run or housing
Make your property/land unattractive to wild birds and rodents by keeping your birds food an water in their housing
Clean and disinfect hard surfaces regularly
Store bedding and associated cleaning equipment indoors
Often when infection rates and confirmed cases are high a National Housing order is declared which is essential lockdown for birds read below for the requirement.
* UPDATE 31/10/22 A HOUSING ORDER IS NOW IN PLACE FOR THE UK EFFECTIVE 7TH NOVEMBER ( Details and links from DEFRA below)
To comply with the housing measures you must keep your birds undercover ie coop and covered run, building , etc or in a netted area
The main aim is to keep your birds in and wild birds and their feces out.
You must take into account this housing order could last up until April/May 2023 so the more space the better to keep your hens happy and healthy during this time. you need to use a small holed mesh if the holes are big enough for a small garden bird to fit through you need to cover with a fine fruit type netting.
A mistake some people make is using netting or mesh for the roof, this is not really adequate as wild bird droppings/feces could still enter the birds living area.
Make use of garages/outbuildings,poly tunnels etc get creative and rope in anyone you know with good diy skills! If your set up doesn’t allow for a run where the coop is situated, but you could carry/transport your hens across to your out building or garage each day this could be a solution as long as the area stays biosecure.
Be sure there is also good air flow/circulation to the area they will be in.
Try to make the area interesting and enriching for your birds with different heights and also a dustbathing space. Think of ways you can keep them occupied during their days to keep harmony amongst your flock.
Enrichment Ideas – https://youtu.be/VH4ufqBC8Bs
As your birds are no longer free ranging it will be a good idea to supplement with grit/oyester shell we really like to use https://www.thelittlefeedcompany.co.uk/product/gastro-grit-happy-healthy-hens/
Housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza are being extended and will be in force across England from 00:01 on Monday 7 November 2022.
This means that, from this time, it will be a mandatory requirement for all bird keepers across England to keep their birds housed and to follow strict biosecurity measures, in order to limit the spread and to eradicate the disease.
More information is available on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-housing-order-to-be-introduced-across-england.
Definitive requirements are set out in the published declarations for each disease control zone currently in force. More information is available on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu-cases-and-disease-control-zones-in-england
You can also check if specific areas are in a zone by using the following interactive map: https://defra.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8cb1883eda5547c6b91b5d5e6aeba90d.
Some More Useful Links
APHA – Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) Smallholder Keeper Webinar https://youtu.be/ptmbFR-sqbk
APHA – Advice on housing your birds to help prevent avian influenza https://youtu.be/57xIu_JdaeI
APHA-How to not walk avian influenza into your poultry coop https://youtu.be/t3Aq0iCaKS0
