Bird flu measures now 'regular thing' -farmer

A farmer has said bird flu measures are becoming the new normal for people in the poultry industry.

The latest restrictions came into effect from 00:01 GMT on Thursday and require owners to keep their flock on a strict lockdown in their housing to prevent the spread of the disease.

East Yorkshire is among counties where keepers of more than 50 birds and sellers of poultry products, including honesty box eggs, are required to house their birds, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

John Holtby, who farms from Dowthorpe Hall, Skirlaugh, near Hull, said: "It's becoming a regular thing now so we've sort of got to used to the idea it's going to happen."

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said there had been an increase in bird flu and the action was aimed at trying to prevent any further spread.

Mr Holtby said bird flu, otherwise known as avian influenza, could be "very serious" and lead to farmers' flocks being culled.

"All poultry keepers have a lot of money invested in these birds and we don't want to see anything happen to them prematurely," he said.

"Quite a few of them do like to go out, but it's a question of keeping them entertained, they're quite curious things."

Mr Holtby said he did not think the measures would impact the price of birds in the run-up to Christmas.

The housing order, which is in place until further notice, means keepers must also keep feed and bedding inside, and cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry or captive birds.

The rules do not apply to hobby keepers.

Risk to human health remains low with properly cooked poultry, including eggs, still safe to eat, Defra said.

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