Following a decline in the incidence rate of highly pathogenic avian influenza, restrictions requiring enclosed housing of poultry flocks in England and Wales have been lifted. Flocks will however not be allowed outside access within any protection zone established following an outbreak of HPAI.
Restrictions were introduced during the fourth quarter of 2022 and were lifted on April 18th 2023 although surveillance will continue. It is evident that should there be an upsurge in cases, restrictions on outside access will be reintroduced. Confinement as a component of a comprehensive program proved successful in controlling the infection.
With this action, consumers in the U.K. should once more have access to free-range eggs.