As spring arrives across England and Wales, farmers and poultry keepers are welcoming the lifting of the poultry housing order, an important development that signals a shift in both seasonal conditions and disease risk.

The poultry housing order is a government-enforced measure introduced during periods of heightened risk from avian influenza, more commonly known as bird flu. When in place, it requires poultry to be kept indoors to minimise contact with wild birds, which are a key source of infection. Alongside housing, strict biosecurity measures are implemented, including disinfecting equipment, limiting access to sites, and closely monitoring flock health.

While these measures are essential in protecting flocks and preventing the spread of disease, they can present challenges—particularly for free-range and organic systems where outdoor access is a fundamental part of animal welfare and farming philosophy.

The lifting of the housing order is typically aligned with a reduced risk of avian influenza, often as we move into spring and environmental conditions improve. For farmers, this is a significant moment. It allows birds to return outdoors, reducing the need for intensive indoor management and easing some of the pressures associated with extended housing periods.

From an animal welfare perspective, this change is hugely positive. Poultry can once again roam freely, forage, dust bathe, and express their natural behaviours, key aspects of their wellbeing. For organic and free-range systems in particular, outdoor access is central to maintaining both the health and quality of life of the birds.

However, the lifting of the housing order does not mean a complete return to normal without caution. Farmers must continue to maintain high levels of biosecurity to protect against any remaining or future risks. The balance between disease prevention and animal welfare remains an ongoing consideration, requiring careful management and vigilance.

For farmers across the country, this moment represents both relief and optimism. It reflects improving conditions and a return to more natural systems of farming, while also highlighting the resilience required to navigate challenges such as avian influenza.

At The Organic Butchery, we work closely with farmers who prioritise high welfare and sustainable practices. The lifting of the poultry housing order is a welcome step forward, one that supports not only the wellbeing of the animals, but also the farmers dedicated to producing quality food in harmony with the seasons.