Poultry farmers call for birds to be kept inside to combat bird flu

Chicken and egg producers call for housing order for poultry and captive birds to be extended across UK

Poultry farmers have called for a nationwide housing order to be brought in by the UK government as soon as possible, after an upsurge in bird flu outbreaks in the past month.

A compulsory housing order for all poultry and captive birds in Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex came into force on Wednesday. It applies to everyone who keeps birds - both commercial flock keepers and non-commercial premises such as back yards, hobby flocks or pets.