The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has warned that bird keepers must continue to follow strict biosecurity measures following the lifting of the avian influenza (bird flu) housing order.
The housing order was lifted on Tuesday (April 18) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The RSPCA said it “strongly recommends” that owners and keepers continue to follow the UK and Welsh governments’ advice for their area.
Poultry expert at the animal welfare charity, Kate Norman, said many birdkeepers will be pleased that they can now let their birds back outside.
“Keeping hens has become increasingly popular in recent years so it’s important that owners follow governmental biosecurity advice, staying vigilant for signs of disease and ill health in their flocks, and seeking veterinary advice if they have any concerns for their birds,” she said.
The RSPCA issued advice to those planning on letting their birds back outside:
- Fence off areas of standing water or ponds that may attract wild birds;
- Check the outside run for any wild bird carcases, feathers or droppings;
- Put measures in place to deter wild birds such as bird scarers, foils and streamers ;
- Keep any food or water under cover so wild birds are not attracted;
- Clean and disinfect objects birds will have access to in the outside run, where possible.
“It’s also important to report any suspected outbreaks of avian influenza to Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs),” Norman said.
“We would encourage all pet poultry owners to register their birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) so they can contact owners if there’s a disease outbreak in their area.”
As all birds have been housed indoors since November last year, they could become stressed or scared when they are first let outside, according to the RSPCA, so the charity is also urging owners to take steps to make pets feel safer outdoors.
“Giving outside access after so long being housed indoors could be stressful for them at first so it’s important that steps are taken to help your pets transition to life outside the coop once more,” Norman said.
“This includes providing shelter and cover for them to use in outdoor areas to provide a sense of security, and making sure that you’re introducing them to outside areas gradually.”
