BFREPA calls for housing order for Western GB

Published on : 25 Oct 2025

The recent cases of High Path Avian Flu in GB has significantly increased concern across the UK poultry sector. Gary Ford commented: 'This is distressing for the families involved and concerning news for the UK poultry sector particularly for those poultry businesses in the immediate area of the outbreak.

In light of the escalating situation and the growing risk of disease transmission, we are calling for an urgent Housing Order to be implemented across the western region of Great Britain. While housing measures alone cannot eliminate the risk, they are a critical step in reducing exposure and limiting the spread of this aggressive disease.

We urge all poultry producers to maintain high standards of biosecurity at all times and to report any suspicion of disease promptly. These actions, combined with housing measures, will be pivotal in containing and ultimately eliminating this outbreak.

We continue to work in close collaboration with Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to support free-range poultry farmers during this challenging time. The welfare of our flocks—and the livelihoods and mental wellbeing of those who care for them—remain our top priority".