The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has highlighted the impact the avian influenza (bird flu) mandatory housing order could have on poultry.
The housing order, which came into effect on Monday (November 7), will mean all poultry and captive birds must be moved inside in a bid to reduce the spread of the disease from wild birds.
The RSPCA has said the current bird flu outbreak has been “devastating”, and has had a massive impact on the farming industry.
Speaking on the housing order in a statement today, the RSPCA said: “Many people will understandably be concerned about the welfare impact these restrictions might have on poultry and what this means for the chicken, turkey, duck and egg products they buy in supermarkets.”
Poultry expert and the RSPCA, Kate Norman, said that keeping birds indoors will help prevent potential contact with migrating wild birds that could be carrying the disease.
“Similar to our previous lockdowns to help prevent Covid-19, these ‘flockdowns’ prevent birds from going out and mixing with others and spreading the disease,” she said.
“However, moving free-range birds – who could previously go outside – indoors can be very stressful for them.
“So it’s really important that poultry keepers make sure they have extra provisions, such as additional environmental enrichment items, and that they are observing their birds more frequently to help better safeguard their welfare.
“Where it is feasible, we also recommend that poultry keepers consider building verandas – for both indoor and free-range birds – as they can offer many welfare benefits and provide free-range birds with natural light, fresh air and more space during periods of mandated confinement.
“The reality is that we are likely to see housing orders becoming more and more frequent in the future as AI continues to impact wild and domestic birds in the UK.
“Investing in building these covered porches where they can enjoy natural lighting and a bit of fresh air, could make a huge difference to their welfare long-term,” she said.
