[in the hills]

Cross posted with cans ......

[Fleecewife]

             Government to lower Britain's bird flu risk level

The government is expected to relax Britain's strict biosecurity measures in place since last autumn to help stem the UK's largest ever outbreak of bird flu.

Defra is expected to reduce the bird flu risk level for wild birds from 'very high' to 'high' and 'medium' to 'low' for poultry.

An announcement to lift the mandatory housing order is also expected to be made later on Monday (25 April).

The order was introduced on 29 November 2021 to help stem the UK's worst ever outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The measure meant it was a legal requirement for all farmers and keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures.

https://www.farminguk.com/news/Government-to-lower-Britain-s-bird-flu-risk-level_60268.html

My breath is bated awaiting news today then 

[Womble]

My breath is bated awaiting news today then 

Here you go, Fleecewife. (This is the text of the text from APHA, if you follow):

APHA: Plans have been announced to lift poultry housing measures across the UK from 00:01 on 2 May. The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone mandatory biosecurity measures will remain in place for all birds. If you intend to allow your birds outside after 2 May you must take action now to prepare outside areas, please check the info available on

GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-keepers-urged-to-maintain-scrupulous-biosecurity-standards-as-housing-measures-set-to-be-lifted


GOV.SCOT: https://www.gov.scot/news/bird-keepers-urged-to-maintain-scrupulous-biosecurity-standards-as-housing-measures-set-to-be-lifted/

& GOV.WALES: https://gov.wales/bird-keepers-urged-maintain-scrupulous-biosecurity-standards-housing-measures-set-be-lifted

[Fleecewife]

Just got it too thanks @Womble    (if only I could still jump like that  ) 

[doganjo]

At Last!
For Scotland

"The mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds, which were introduced across the United Kingdom to help stop the spread of bird flu, will be lifted from 00:01 on Monday 2 May 2022, the Chief Veterinary Officers have confirmed today.

Poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed, unless they are in a Protection Zone, and will be allowed to be kept outside. While the risk of bird flu has been reduced to ‘medium’ for premises with poor biosecurity, the enhanced biosecurity requirements that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in force as infection may still be circulating in the environment for several more weeks. All poultry gatherings will remain banned.

Those who intend to allow their birds outside are advised to use the upcoming days to prepare their outside areas for the release of their birds. This will include cleansing and disinfection of hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroduction of wild bird deterrents.

[Rupert the bear]

So monday 2nd May it is then  https://www.gov.scot/news/bird-keepers-urged-to-maintain-scrupulous-biosecurity-standards-as-housing-measures-set-to-be-lifted/

Better remember to keep shutting the pen gate behind me  , curse my forgetfulness 

Although I will keep the official Keep out sign that was put up when we were in the 3km protection zone.

[Fleecewife]

I have signs saying NO ENTRY Biosecurity area and a large hand forbidding entry on my access gates. It amazes me that people walk in through our back gate then say "oh I didn't see the sign". It's right there in red, right in their faces! They don't do it twice though - apparently I'm quite fierce 

[Fleecewife]

I've just realised how relieved I feel, now I know when the restrictions will be gone. I hadn't realised just how stressful I have found confining my birds until it's stopping 


I think I shall try to find out if there is any intention of creating a vaccine against Bird Flu. The danger to humanity is that if AI crosses to humans in a big way then mutates, it could be the next pandemic and we all know what that means.  I would think that commercial housed flocks would be at risk of that, where the keepers are indoors with the birds for their working day, but also small flocks where people, especially children, handle and kiss their hens a lot 

[doganjo]

Was there not a report last time round of it transferring to human workers - might have been China?

[Fleecewife]

Was there not a report last time round of it transferring to human workers - might have been China?

Yes, it's a zoonosis but so far it hasn't taken off in a big way, or mutated into an easily transmissable, lethal to humans version.

And, oh silly me, of course we have vaccines against AI in poultry, we're just not allowed to use them in the UK 
The problem it seems is that traditional vaccines protect the birds from serious illness and death, but don't prevent them from spreading the virus to others.  Pirbright have now produced a rather better vaccine, using insect protein rather than hen eggs, which looks promising:
www.pirbright.ac.uk/press-releases/2021/07/pirbright’s-new-bird-flu-vaccine-provides-rapid-protection-could-reduce-virus

[doganjo]

This takes you right to the page -
https://www.pirbright.ac.uk/press-releases/2021/07/pirbright%E2%80%99s-new-bird-flu-vaccine-provides-rapid-protection-could-reduce-virus

[Rupert the bear]

Freedom ! out they go without any persuasion 

[harmony]

Freedom ! out they go without any persuasion 

I wonder what they will be like at coming in now they have their freedom 

[Fleecewife]

Our hens are so happy, refinding their favourite haunts and habits.  Sadly since they were locked away Feisty's favourite old sheep has died.  The hen used to either sit beside her in the sun or sit and ride on her back. Poor Feisty is looking a bit lost today without her but our pup has been trying to look after her.


I can at last get on with working in my polytunnel  . I have raised beds in there which were prepared over a month ago and covered from the hens with cardboard. Mostly all the dust needs to be pressure washed as it's got everywhere, then the overcrowded plants in my house and cold frame can go where they're meant to be  .

[Rupert the bear]

Freedom ! out they go without any persuasion 

I wonder what they will be like at coming in now they have their freedom 

Oh thats just great !  thats got me thinking will I have to chase them ? out of the question, bribe them ? maybe,
get the Rottweiler to herd then in ?  Better hope for the best  , thanks Fleecewife thats my afternoon nap out the window