Poultry will soon be allowed to free-roam after six months of captivity.

Housing measures are being lifted on Monday (May 2) after laws were put in place at the end of October in a bid to reduce the spread of bird flu.

More than 100 cases of avian flu have seen been confirmed across the country, with three in Devon two weeks ago.

From Monday, poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed, unless they are in an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ).

While the risk of bird flu has been reduced to ‘medium’ for premises with poor biosecurity, the enhanced biosecurity requirements that were brought in as part of the AIPZ will remain in force as infection may still be circulating in the environment for several more weeks.

All poultry gatherings are still banned.

READ MORE: Third case of bird flu confirmed in Devon cluster

Chief Veterinary Officers are advising bird owners to prepare their outside areas for the release of their birds by cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces, fencing off ponds and standing water and reintroducing wild bird deterrents.

Scrupulous biosecurity is the most effective method of disease control and all bird keepers are being told to apply enhanced measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks.

In a joint statement, the four Chief Veterinary Officers said: "Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, 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 in keeping flocks safe this winter, that we are in a position to take this action.

"However, the recent cases of avian influenza show that it’s vital that bird keepers remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity."

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in force across the UK, with only the housing measures component being lifted from Monday.

This means all that bird keepers - whether they have pet birds, a commercial sized or a backyard flock - must continue to take effective and precautionary biosecurity measures.

All bird keepers must:

  • cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
  • reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
  • thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
  • keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
  • minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds