The Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland collectively announced that effective May 2nd, the order mandating barn confinement of all commercial poultry would be lifted.  The order was issued on November 29th 2021 in an attempt to reduce the incidence rate of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

Eggs can legally be sold as free-range if flocks are housed for less than 16 consecutive weeks as a result of a government mandate.  Since this period was exceeded on March 21st, all eggs sold in the U.K. after this date have been labeled “barn eggs”.

In commenting on the relaxation of the regulation, the Chair of the National Farmers Union commented, “It will be a great relief that birds are allowed outdoor access again.”

It remains to be seen whether releasing birds to range will result in a recurrence of infection since H5N1 HPAI is still prevalent in France and the Netherlands.