NEWS
Free Range Hens allowed to roam outside again
The compulsory housing order, which was in place across the UK to keep hens safe from bird flu, has been lifted by Government vets who now consider it safe enough for them to be allowed back outside. As a result, British free range eggs will soon be back on supermarket shelves.
The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC), which represents more than 95% of UK free range egg production, welcomed the announcement that the risk of avian influenza or bird flu has reduced sufficiently for all free range hens across the UK to be allowed back outside.
Egg producers started to gradually introduce their free range birds to roam outside again from 18 April. However, the industry is continuing to maintain high levels of biosecurity, including minimising movement in and out of bird enclosures, cleaning footwear, and keeping areas where birds live clean and tidy.
BEIC Chief Executive Mark Williams, said: “It is very good news that the housing order has been lifted. While the birds were housed, farmers worked hard to keep their hens happy and safe, providing them with various enrichments and enhancements. However, free range farmers like nothing more than seeing their birds out enjoying the range, so they were delighted that Government vets said it was once again safe for them to roam freely.
“As the largest free range egg producer in Europe, the UK is very proud of its high standards and will maintain enhanced biosecurity levels, keeping birds protected from avian influenza, which is our priority.”
More information on the Housing Order can be found on the UK Government’s website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu; Northern Ireland https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/latest-situation; and Welsh Government https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu.
Free range eggs and bird flu in the UK
There is information on the site explaining what happens in the event that hens have to be temporarily housed. While free range farmers love to see their hens making the most of the range, sometimes it may be necessary for them to be kept inside on government advice for their wellbeing. You can read about some of the steps that farmers take if government vets say they must house their birds for an extended period of time.
For more information on eggs including nutrition information, recipes and food safety advice visit egginfo.co.uk.
