Following the government announcement that the risk of Avian Influenza has reduced, poultry farmers will be able to give their free-range birds outdoor access from the 2nd of May.
Government-imposed housing measures came into force on the 29th of November 2021. After 16 weeks under these rules, eggs could no longer be marketed as free-range.
Now that the rules have been lifted, eggs laid after midnight on the 2nd of May can once again be labelled as free-range.
NFU poultry board chair James Mottershead said: “Poultry farmers have worked incredibly hard to minimise the threat of Avian Influenza and it will be a great relief that they can now allow their birds outdoor access again.
“While the threat of Avian Influenza has reduced, it is still incredibly important that everyone who keeps birds remains vigilant and continues to follow enhanced biosecurity measures. This is crucial whether you are a commercial farmer with thousands of birds or a backyard keeper with one hen in the garden.”