Measures to keep flocks safe from the ravages of bird flu are on the point of being eased in the UK and Ireland. The worst of the bird flu strain seems to have passed and the prospect of free range eggs appearing on shop shelves again is not so far off.
Birds in England and Wales have been in mandatory lockdown since November 7th, and it has been much the same across Ireland, north and south, since then too.
Some parts of the home countries will retain certain enhanced biosecurity measures, where risks are deemed to be potentially still high. Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer said:” Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcomed news to birdkeepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe.”
“ It is thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets who have played their part and keeping flocks safe this winter that we are in a position to take this action.
However, the unprecedented nature of this outbreak has proven its more important than ever for birdkeepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”
And just as the month ends, one reads that there has been a large outbreak of avian flu among the migratory birds coming from Africa after wintering there.
How that will affect things here, going forward, is anyone's guess...
