25/04/22: AVIAN INFLUENZA LOCKDOWN ENDS 2ND MAY 2022:
Poultry & other captive birds in the UK can be let outside from 2nd May 2022 unless you are within a 3 km Protection Zone. Learn more about the protection zones on the GOV UK website.
16/03/2022: HOUSING ORDER UPDATE:
Having attended a DEFRA meeting on Monday, 14th March regarding the ongoing housing order, we are disappointed to advise that currently there are no plans to lift the restrictions.
On 21st March the commercial sector has no option but to change their egg labelling to indicate their birds are not free-ranging but are kept in barns. If free-range birds are housed, legislation dictates that free-range eggs can only be sold as free-range for a maximum of 16 weeks and after that point, if a housing order is still in place eggs must be marked as barn eggs.
Farmers are now being advised by DEFRA to plan ahead for relabelling indicating there is no clear date in sight for lifting the housing order. Last year the housing order was lifted on 31st March.
If you have concerns about the well-being and welfare of your hens, please get in touch we will be only too happy to help you where possible.
03/02/21: REHOMING UPDATE
Good news! We have been given the green light to gradually resume our lifesaving work. We urge hen keepers to remain vigilant during the ongoing housing order. As a result, we will not be rehoming in areas that fall within the DEFRA prevention zones. If there is not a date listed for your area, please do keep checking as more dates will be continually added.
For the latest Avian Influenza locations and to see if this affects you, please visit our Avian Influenza Cases and Control Zones Page or the Government interactive map.
Throughout this potentially prolonged period of restriction, we acknowledge that birds are more prone to welfare issues and we have a wealth of information and tips on our website for anyone wanting advice on how to keep their birds happy and healthy:
10/12/21: AVIAN INFLUENZA REHOMING UPDATE
The multiple cases of Avian Flu in the UK are impacting across both the commercial and hobby keeper sectors. All bird keepers are now legally obliged to keep their birds undercover and to raise their biosecurity, even in a home environment. It is vital that wild birds and vermin are kept away from any backyard poultry or pet hens.
There will be no further rehoming activity with effect from 12th December until the Avian Influenza situation improves. When it is safe to recommence our lifesaving rehoming work we will be up and running immediately.
For the latest Avian Influenza locations and to see if this affects you, please visit our Avian Influenza Cases and Control Zones Page or the Government interactive map.
Throughout this potentially prolonged period of restriction, we acknowledge that birds are more prone to welfare issues and we have a wealth of information and tips on our website for anyone wanting advice on how to keep their birds happy and healthy:
24/11/21: AVIAN INFLUENZA HOUSING ORDER
In light of the recent increase of Avian Influenza cases in the UK, the Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have agreed to bring in new housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza.
From Monday 29th November, it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.
21/11/21: AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE
From 8.30 pm on 21 November 2021, a new avian influenza prevention zone will be declared in parts of North Yorkshire in England, namely the districts of Harrogate, Hambleton and Richmondshire. This means that it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers in that area to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease. See the AIPZ section for further information.
AVIAN INFLUENZA PREVENTION ZONE
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone has been declared across Great Britain effective from 5pm on 3 November 2021. This means all bird keepers in Great Britain (whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) are required by law to take a range of biosecurity precautions.
We are all now legally bound, with immediate effect, to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect our birds. Our rehoming dates will be going ahead as they are not within controlled zones, but we will be implementing additional biosecurity and anyone booking hens will be made aware of these.
For the latest Avian Influenza locations and to see if this affects you, please visit our Avian Influenza Cases and Control Zones Page or the Government interactive map.
This is a timely reminder that with winter approaching it is a good idea to increase your own biosecurity.
10/12/21: AVIAN INFLUENZA REHOMING UPDATE
The multiple cases of Avian Flu in the UK are impacting across both the commercial and hobby keeper sectors. All bird keepers are now legally obliged to keep their birds undercover and to raise their biosecurity, even in a home environment. It is vital that wild birds and vermin are kept away from any backyard poultry or pet hens.
There will be no further rehoming activity with effect from 12th December until the Avian Influenza situation improves. When it is safe to recommence our lifesaving rehoming work we will be up and running immediately.
For the latest Avian Influenza locations and to see if this affects you, please visit our Avian Influenza Cases and Control Zones Page or the Government interactive map.
Throughout this potentially prolonged period of restriction, we acknowledge that birds are more prone to welfare issues and we have a wealth of information and tips on our website for anyone wanting advice on how to keep their birds happy and healthy:
10/12/21: AVIAN INFLUENZA REHOMING UPDATE
The multiple cases of Avian Flu in the UK are impacting across both the commercial and hobby keeper sectors. All bird keepers are now legally obliged to keep their birds undercover and to raise their biosecurity, even in a home environment. It is vital that wild birds and vermin are kept away from any backyard poultry or pet hens.
There will be no further rehoming activity with effect from 12th December until the Avian Influenza situation improves. When it is safe to recommence our lifesaving rehoming work we will be up and running immediately.
For the latest Avian Influenza locations and to see if this affects you, please visit our Avian Influenza Cases and Control Zones Page or the Government interactive map.
Throughout this potentially prolonged period of restriction, we acknowledge that birds are more prone to welfare issues and we have a wealth of information and tips on our website for anyone wanting advice on how to keep their birds happy and healthy:
22/04/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Ilkeston, Erewash, Derbyshire
13/04/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Tedburn St Mary, Teignbridge, Devon
08/04/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There have been cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Eye, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk
- Ilminster, South Somerset, Somerset
06/04/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There have been cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Newton St Cyres, Mid Devon, Devon
- Ely, East Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire
30/03/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Woodbridge, East Suffolk, Suffolk
28/03/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Stowmarket, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk
20/03/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Woodbridge, East Suffolk, Suffolk
19/03/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Strichen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
18/03/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Beith, North Ayrshire, Scotland
12/03/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Market Weston, West Suffolk, Suffolk
11/03/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Collieston, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
- Redgrave, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk
01/03/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Redgrave, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk
26/02/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Elmswell, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk
25/02/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Ledbury, North Herefordshire, Herefordshire
22/02/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Blaydon, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear
21/02/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There have been cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Welshpool, Montgomeryshire, Powys
- Newtown, Montgomeryshire, Powys
14/02/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Wooler, Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland
09/02/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Holy Island, Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland
05/02/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Fakenham, North Norfolk, Norfolk
04/02/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Bishop’s Waltham, Winchester, Hampshire
28/01/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Ashleworth, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
25/01/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Byker, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear
- Whitby, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
20/01/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Ross-on-Wye, Hereford
- South Herefordshire, Herefordshire
13/01/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Tattenhall, Cheshire West
- Chester, Cheshire
07/01/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Tattenhall, Cheshire West & Chester, Cheshire
- Upholland, West Lancashire, Lancashire
04/01/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Lazonby, Eden, Cumbria
03/01/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Eton, Windsor and Maidenhead, Berkshire
02/01/2022 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Alford, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire
31/12/2021 – Highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Louth, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire
30/12/2021 – Highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Mablethorpe, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire
28/12/2021 – Highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There have been several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Watlington, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk
- North Somercotes, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire
22/12/2021 – Highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Helsby, Cheshire West & Chester, Cheshire
- Buckfastleigh, Teignbridge, Devon
18/12/2021 – Highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Alford, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire
- Helsby, Cheshire West & Chester, Cheshire
17/12/2021 – Highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire
- Alford, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire
15/12/2021 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) confirmed in:
- Wem, North Shropshire, Shropshire
- Bosworth, Hinckley & Bosworth, Leicestershire
14/12/2021 – Highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) cases confirmed in:
- Pocklington, East Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire
- Alford, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire
14/12/2021 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) case confirmed in:
- Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, Durham
13/12/2021 – Highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There have been two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) cases confirmed within the same area in:
- Alford, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire
12/12/2021 – Several highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been three cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) cases confirmed in:
- Washington, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
- Alford, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire
- Willington, South Derbyshire, Derbyshire
10/12/2021 – Several highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been three cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) cases confirmed in:
- Moffat, Dumfriesshire, Dumfries and Galloway
- Highworth, Swindon, Wiltshire
- Clifford, Hereford and South Herefordshire, Herefordshire
09/12/2021 – Several highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) cases confirmed in:
- Annan, Dumfriesshire, Dumfries and Galloway
- Dumfriesshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
08/12/2021 – Several highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There has been two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) cases confirmed in:
- Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire
- Sudbury, Babergh, South Suffolk
07/12/2021 – Highly pathogenic AI case confirmed
There has been a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in:
- Pocklington, East Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire
06/12/2021 – Several highly pathogenic AI cases confirmed
There have been several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) cases in:
- Newent, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
- Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire
- Barrow upon Soar, Charnwood, Leicestershire
04/12/2021 – Several AI cases confirmed
There have been several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) cases in:
- Gretna, Dumfriesshire, Dumfries and Galloway
- Crickhowell, Powys, Wales
- Richmond, Richmondshire, North Yorkshire
03/12/2021 – Several AI cases were confirmed overnight
There have been several cases of Avian influenza H5N1 (pathogenicity to be confirmed) in:
- Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire
- Tutbury, East Staffordshire, Staffordshire
- Leominster, North Herefordshire, Herefordshire
30/11/2021 – AI confirmed in Charnwood, Leicestershire
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been found at a second premises near Barrow upon Soar, Charnwood, Leicestershire.
28/11/2021 – AI confirmed in Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at a fifth premises near Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire.
26/11/2021 – Several AI cases confirmed today
There have been several cases of Avian influenza H5N1 (pathogenicity to be confirmed) in:
- Clitheroe, Ribble Valley, Lancashire
- Barrow upon Soar, Charnwood, Leicestershire
- Poulton-le-Fylde, Wyre, Lancashire
- Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire
- Gaerwen, on Anglesey, Wales
25/11/2021 – AI confirmed in Charnwood, Leicestershire
Avian influenza H5N1 (pathogenicity to be confirmed) has been found at a premises near Barrow upon Soar, Charnwood, Leicestershire. 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones are now in place.
22/11/2021: Several AI cases confirmed over the weekend:
Over the weekend several cases have been confirmed across the UK. These include:
- Wells-next-the-Sea, North Norfolk
- Thirsk, Hambleton
- Mouldsworth and Chester, Cheshire
- Maldon, Essex
- Silecroft, Copeland, Cumbria
- Leeming Bar, Hambleton, North Yorkshire
- Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire
As a result a 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones are now in place.
19/11/2021: AI Confirmed in Pokesdown, Bournemouth
Avian influenza H5N1 highly pathogenic strain has been found at a premises near Pokesdown, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole. 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones are now in place.
17/11/2021: AI Confirmed in South Derbyshire, Derbyshire
The highly pathogenic strain of Avian influenza H5N1 has been found at a premises near Willington, South Derbyshire, Derbyshire. Following confirmation of the pathogenicity, the Temporary Control Zones have been revoked and replaced by a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone.
16/11/2021: AI Confirmed in Fylde, Lancashire
Avian influenza H5N1 (pathogenicity to be confirmed) has been found at a premises near Kirkham, Fylde, Lancashire. 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones are now in place.
15/11/2021: AI Confirmed in Hambleton, North Yorkshire
A highly pathogenic strain of Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at the premises near Leeming Bar, Hambleton, North Yorkshire. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone is now in place.
12/11/2021: AI Confirmed in Fylde, Lancashire
Avian influenza H5N1 (pathogenicity to be confirmed) has been found in birds at a premises near Salwick, Fylde, Lancashire. 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones are now in place.
11/11/2021: AI Confirmed in Tendring, Essex
Avian influenza H5N1 (pathogenicity to be confirmed) has been found at premises near Frinton-on-Sea, Tendring, Essex. 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones are now in place.
08/11/2021: AI Confirmed in Bidford, Warwickshire
Avian influenza H5N1 (pathogenicity to be confirmed) has been found at premises near Alcester, Bidford, Warwickshire. A 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones are now in place.
05/11/2021 AI Confirmed in the Angus constituency, Scotland
Further testing has confirmed this to be a highly pathogenic strain (HPAI H5N1). Following confirmation of the pathogenicity, the Temporary Control Zones have been revoked and replaced by a 3km Protection Zone, 10km Surveillance Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone.
02/11/2021 AI Confirmed in Chirk, Wrexham
A localised outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in Chirk near Wrexham, Wales. Following confirmation, the Temporary Control Zones have been revoked and replaced by a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone. The control zones in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire are still being enforced.
Please refer to the gov website for further assistance or call our hen helpline on 01884 860084.
24/11/21: AVIAN INFLUENZA HOUSING ORDER
In light of the recent increase of Avian Influenza cases in the UK, the Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have agreed to bring in new housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza.
From Monday 29th November, it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.
21/11/21: AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE
From 8.30 pm on 21 November 2021, a new avian influenza prevention zone will be declared in parts of North Yorkshire in England, namely the districts of Harrogate, Hambleton and Richmondshire. This means that it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers in that area to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease. See the AIPZ section for further information.
AVIAN INFLUENZA PREVENTION ZONE
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone has been declared across Great Britain effective from 5pm on 3 November 2021. This means all bird keepers in Great Britain (whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) are required by law to take a range of biosecurity precautions.
We are all now legally bound, with immediate effect, to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect our birds. Our rehoming dates will be going ahead as they are not within controlled zones, but we will be implementing additional biosecurity and anyone booking hens will be made aware of these.
For the latest Avian Influenza locations and to see if this affects you, please visit our Avian Influenza Cases and Control Zones Page or the Government interactive map.
This is a timely reminder that with winter approaching it is a good idea to increase your own biosecurity. For more information visit the GOV UK Avian Influenza page.
APHA interactive disease map
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