AndyRoo Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 Hello, I hope all is well. I just saw an article which suggested a nationwide avian flu lockdown has just been announced; however, I cannot find anything on the DEFRA website? Anyone heard anything? Cheers, Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaCoop Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 I've seen a few updates but nothing that actually says a lockdown. All I've read about is extra bio hazard measures for everyone. I've actually come here to double check as FB is full of lockdown lockdown lockdown! And that isn't what I read!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbie1962 Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 As far as I can tell it's strict biosecurity measures in most areas for now no rule to keep chicken etc in as yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 The Netherlands hasn’t been out of a flockdown. Ours had been a thing since last year October. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyRoo Posted October 18, 2022 Author Share Posted October 18, 2022 Ah, saw some more information last night: it seems as though the new rules may only apply to flocks of more than 500. So commercial operations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted October 18, 2022 Share Posted October 18, 2022 I thought the measures applied to all birds, including 'pets', so would be even if you had a couple? You would think that it would be clearer, considering it is now a legal requirement? Apart from the disinfecting clothing and footwear we seem to comply here, but we haven't had any instructions and there have been millions of birds slaughtered to the West of us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted October 18, 2022 Share Posted October 18, 2022 The rules apply to all flocks no matter the size, but it isn’t a housing order (although this probably will come later). It’s a requirement to beef up your biosecurity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyRoo Posted November 1, 2022 Author Share Posted November 1, 2022 Update: Flockdown comes into effect for all of England from next Monday! From the DEFRA site: 'Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds are to be introduced to all areas of England from 00:01 on Monday 7 November, following a decision by the United Kingdom’s Chief Veterinary Officer. The housing measures legally require all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the disease, regardless of type or size.' May the fun and games commence - again! *eyeroll* I wonder how long this one will last... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackrocksrock Posted November 2, 2022 Share Posted November 2, 2022 Had seen this - Scotland to follow I think shortly. I notice folks are getting ready. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted November 2, 2022 Share Posted November 2, 2022 On 11/1/2022 at 11:40 PM, AndyRoo said: May the fun and games commence - again! *eyeroll* I wonder how long this one will last... We had the unfortunate anniversary of a year in flockdown last week. Avian flu hasn’t left us at any moment and over 6 million birds have been culled in that year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyRoo Posted November 2, 2022 Author Share Posted November 2, 2022 On 11/2/2022 at 5:51 AM, Cat tails said: We had the unfortunate anniversary of a year in flockdown last week. Avian flu hasn’t left us at any moment and over 6 million birds have been culled in that year. I know our girls were suffering really badly after the 6 months in lockdown last year. They'd plucked themselves quite a lot. At least the smaller ones grew nice and big and plump which seems have helped them this year. And it'll give time for the lawn to recover. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skoobay Posted November 2, 2022 Share Posted November 2, 2022 Sorry quite new to this topic, can we confirm that no birds must come out, and that the fine is now unlimted and a prison sentence? Or is this for commercial birds? I ahve two in a small omlet cage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alison W Posted November 4, 2022 Share Posted November 4, 2022 Hi all The best explanation I found was from the press release here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-housing-order-to-be-introduced-across-england ”Scrupulous biosecurity and separating flocks in all ways, from wild birds remain the best form of defence. Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from Monday 7 November onwards you must keep your indoors. This decision has not been taken lightly, but is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.” There are going to be some very peeved backyard flocks, mine included! My mini bantam flock are used to free ranging whenever I am around & get quite vocal when I appear & they are not let out. I’d rather feel mean than be devastated if they caught avian flu & lose them all. Fingers crossed it doesn’t last too long Alison Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted November 4, 2022 Share Posted November 4, 2022 Prepping for flockdown 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyRoo Posted November 4, 2022 Author Share Posted November 4, 2022 On 11/2/2022 at 11:01 AM, Skoobay said: Sorry quite new to this topic, can we confirm that no birds must come out, and that the fine is now unlimted and a prison sentence? Or is this for commercial birds? I ahve two in a small omlet cage. Essentially: All your birds must be 'locked up' in a fashion that would ideally prevent them from coming in contact with wild birds at all until given the all clear, and you should take extra biosecurity measures to ensure you yourself cannot accidentally pass it on to them. I think they also suggest the removal of all bird feeding stations that would attract wild birds into the garden. So if you have an open air run, then cover it completely with tarps and use finer mesh so wild birds can't get in and share the feeders, if at all possible. The last lockdown lasted for about 6 months, if I remember correctly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
