NFU poultry board chair James Mottershead said: “Poultry farmers have worked incredibly hard to minimise the threat of Avian Influenza and it will be a great relief that they can now allow their birds outdoor access again.
“While the threat of Avian Influenza has reduced, it is still incredibly important that everyone who keeps birds remains vigilant and continues to follow enhanced biosecurity measures. This is crucial whether you are a commercial farmer with thousands of birds or a backyard keeper with one hen in the garden.”
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Notes to editor:
- The government-imposed housing measures came into force on 29 November 2021.
- After 16 weeks under housing measures, eggs could no longer be marketed as free range. However, eggs laid after midnight on 2 May can once again be labelled as free range.