What is a poultry housing order and why is it implemented?
A poultry housing order is a directive issued by the government to protect poultry from the spread of avian influenza. It requires birds to be housed indoors to prevent contact with infected wild birds and their droppings. As of March 2025, housing orders are not in place across all of the UK but are implemented in high risk areas, such as the East Coast, the West Coast, and Northern Ireland, where outbreaks have been detected. These orders are crucial in safeguarding both commercial poultry operations and backyard flocks, ensuring that all poultry keepers, regardless of flock size, comply with the same preventive measures.
Duration and criteria for lifting a housing order
Housing orders remain in place as long as deemed necessary by the government. Previously, if a housing order lasted more than 16 weeks, eggs and poultry products had to be reclassified from free range to barn raised, requiring updated packaging and labelling. However, under new regulations, birds can retain their free range status despite prolonged housing orders, with packaging simply noting that they are temporarily housed due to a housing order.
Maintaining poultry health and welfare during a housing order
Confining free range poultry indoors can cause stress and behavioural issues, including feather pecking and aggression. To mitigate these effects, poultry keepers should:
- Provide enrichment items such as pecking blocks and toys.
- Ensure adequate ventilation within housing units.
- Observe flock behaviour to identify signs of distress early.
- Adjust feeding and management practices to accommodate the change in environment.
Essential biosecurity measures during a housing order
Biosecurity should be a year round priority, not just during housing orders. Biosecurity should be happening 365 days a year. Despite birds being housed, avian influenza has been detected in enclosed flocks, suggesting that the virus is entering through other means.
Key biosecurity measures include:
- Strict human movement controls to prevent disease transmission via footwear and clothing.
- Make sure bedding materials are treated effectively to prevent contamination.
- Careful monitoring of water and feed sources to prevent introduction of pathogens.
- Effective rodent and pest control measures to eliminate disease carriers.
- Regular cleaning and disinfection of housing units, equipment, and vehicles.
Resources and support for poultry keepers
Livetec provides expert biosecurity guidance and tailored assessments to help poultry keepers safeguard their flocks. Their services include risk assessment tools to identify vulnerabilities, practical strategies to prevent disease spread, and educational resources to enhance biosecurity protocols. By working with Livetec, poultry keepers can ensure they are following the most effective measures to protect their birds and maintain compliance with housing orders.
Final thoughts
While housing orders play a vital role in preventing the spread of avian influenza, they should not be viewed as the sole protective measure. Maintaining bird welfare, reducing stress, and implementing stringent biosecurity measures must remain a priority. Poultry keepers should take proactive steps to safeguard their flocks, ensuring that biosecurity remains a constant practice; 365 days a year, not just when a housing order is in place.