Devon Poultry Farmers Face Extended ‘Chicken Lockdown‘ Amid Bird Flu Concerns
EXETER, DEVON – Devon poultry producers are bracing for potentially six months of indoor confinement for their flocks as avian influenza continues to pose a significant threat, prompting what one farmer calls a “chicken lockdown.” Teh heightened restrictions, imposed to prevent the spread of the highly virulent virus, are raising concerns about the welfare and productivity of birds, and also the economic stability of local farms.
The outbreak is causing widespread anxiety within the poultry industry. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed the virus can infect mammals – including domestic pets like cats, dogs, and ferrets – adding another layer of complexity to prevention efforts. Farmers are taking extensive biosecurity measures, but the risk of introduction remains high, with the virus potentially carried on clothing or by vermin.
Local poultry farmer, Mr. Ursell, explained the challenges of prolonged indoor housing.”effectively it’s chicken lockdown,” he said. “They could be locked in for six months and so the stress levels for those birds when they’re not used to that will go up and that’ll probably affect their production.”
To mitigate the stress of confinement, Ursell has been enriching the birds’ surroundings with pecking boxes, hanging bales, and even music. Despite these efforts, he emphasized the devastating speed with which the disease can spread. “It can wipe out a flock very quickly,” he stated. “It is incredibly virulent and extremely hard to protect against.”
APHA is urging pet owners to prevent their animals from coming into contact with dead or sick wild birds, their droppings, feathers, or carcasses. Sightings of deceased wild birds should be reported to the agency via https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds. The agency also advises keeping pet food and water bowls inaccessible to wild birds.
The current situation underscores the ongoing vulnerability of the poultry sector to avian influenza, with producers facing a delicate balance between protecting their flocks and maintaining production levels. The extended restrictions are expected to create significant challenges for Devon’s poultry industry, impacting both bird welfare and the supply of poultry products.
