Mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds will be lifted from Thursday 15 May, the chief veterinary officer has confirmed.
The measures were introduced in December across various counties to prevent the spread of bird flu.
The latest risk assessment supported by the scientific evidence shows that the risk of avian influenza levels in wild birds and poultry has reduced.
Poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed and can now be kept outside.
The lifting of housing measures applies to all areas unless keepers are in a Protection Zone or Captive Bird Monitoring (Controlled) Zone, as these are areas where there has been a recent outbreak.
“Following a sustained period of reduced risk from avian influenza, we are now able to lift the mandatory housing measures in effect in various counties, which is testament to the hard work and vigilance of bird keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease,” said UK chief veterinary officer Dr Christine Middlemiss.
Bird gatherings, such as fairs and markets, remain banned.
“While the lifting of mandatory housing measures will be welcomed by bird keepers, it is imperative that keepers continue to practice stringent biosecurity and that any suspicions of disease are reported to the Animal & Plant Health Agency immediately.”
As birds have been housed for several months, it may be necessary for them to be acclimatised and gradually released over a period of days to minimise welfare issues.
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