Free-range eggs to return to shelves soon

Free-range eggs could return to shelves from next week as the government lifts its bird flu lockdown from midnight on Tuesday (18) ater the risk level was reduced to “medium”.

Birds across England and Wales have been kept inside since a mandatory lockdown was imposed in early November following the outbreak of avian flu across the country.

The move means that eggs laid by hens with access to outside range areas can once again be marketed as “Free-Range”. Some areas of the country will remain in lockdown, including large parts of Norfolk, and poultry farmers will have to maintain enhanced biosecurity measures.

The risk of infection could circulate for several more weeks, The Telegraph reported citing the environment department’s warning.

Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said that whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe.

“It is thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets who have played their part in keeping flocks safe this winter that we are in a position to take this action.

“However, the unprecedented nature of this outbreak has proven it is more important than ever for bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease and to maintain stringent standards of biosecurity,” reports quoted Middlemiss as saying.

The UK Health Security Agency has said that avian viruses do not spread easily to humans and have so far found no positive cases in people while monitoring those who have developed flu or cold-like symptoms after being in contact with a bird.

They are advising that people avoid contact with any sick or dead wild birds they might find and wash their hands after feeding wild birds. Bird keepers are asked to report any suspicion of disease to Defra.

At least 48 million birds have been culled across the UK and Europe since the outbreak began in 2021.