No rush to house free range hens

Free range egg producers in the UK should not be panicked into keeping their birds confined to the house, says the British Free Range Egg Producers Association.

The advice follows news that the Dutch authorities have ordered all poultry to be kept inside in light of the threat from Avian Influenza. The disease appears to be spreading westwards through Russia and the fear is that it could reach central Europe, possibly carried by migrating birds. Two years ago Holland suffered an outbreak of bird flu which devastated its poultry industry.

"The risk of AI needs taking very seriously but we do not believe the current threat to the UK justifies a similar move," says BFREPA chairman Tom Vesey.

"The decision to restrict birds to the house cannot be taken lightly, particularly as the threat from AI could be with us for several months yet. Hens which are used to going outside every day could suffer from welfare problems – particularly stress – if they are suddenly denied this opportunity.

"We also have to consider how such action would be viewed by consumers who pay a premium for the eggs confident in the knowledge that they have been laid by free ranging hens."

Mr Vesey said that the spread of Avian Influenza would be closely monitored and BFREPA would advise its members accordingly.