BFREPA Statement on Housing Order

Published on : 25 Jan 2025

Gary Ford, Head of Strategy and Producer Engagement at BFREPA said:

"Whilst disappointing that these measures do not go as far as what we have been calling for, they are a step in the right direction and are in line with our expectation.

"While the number of individual farms affected by the bird flu outbreak has not significantly increased, recent cases of farms being infected has driven panic, concern and fear into the free-range egg sector.

"BFREPA is calling for a pragmatic and pro-active approach to housing birds, instead of a risk-based approach, to safeguard the welfare of the birds and the producers.

"Many producers, through no fault of their own, find themselves uninsured following the recent withdrawal from the market of a key insurer. It is therefore essential to consider factors beyond the scientific evidence DEFRA use when making housing order decisions. Allowing birds to roam freely during heightened periods of avian influenza and migration presents a significant risk and is a source of great worry and concern for farmers. An outbreak of avian influenza is a life-changing event for farmers.

"BFREPA urges DEFRA to reconsider the evidence based approach used to determine housing orders and to implement a nationwide housing order without delay.

"We need to get ahead of the curve on this dreadful disease and will continue to make the case for a GB wide Housing Order to protect the welfare of our birds and our farmers."