‘Free-range’ chickens and hens go in lockdown to prevent the spread of bird flu

The chief vets of England, Scotland and Wales announced that starting from 14th of December all chicken and hens will be kept indoors to avert a possible bird flu outbreak. Their products will still be labelled as ‘free-range’.

Experts argue that the stress caused by being locked indoors will make the animals more prone to viruses. “The conditions of intensive chicken farms are uniquely placed to encourage the spread of disease,” according to the report A British Pandemic: The cruelty and danger of supermarket chicken.

The labels will misinform consumers as chicken meat and eggs that were previously sold as ‘free-range’ can keep their title despite all birds having to stay indoors. Under EU law, eggs can still be labelled as free-range when kept indoors for up to 16 weeks.

Experts warned that highly transmittable bird flu would make Covid-19 symptoms seem mild. Since 2013, H7N9, a strain of bird flu has caused 616 deaths worldwide the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation reports.

The risk level of bird flu in the UK has been changed in October from ‘low’ to ‘medium’ following the infection of two swans in the Netherlands.

Words: Begum Kuruc | Subbing: Warshma Chughtai

Voice of London

Recent Posts

Escaping the rent trap – Welcome to the UK’s housing crisis

As the cost of living in the UK continues to rise, renters are facing an…

1 year ago

Fashion trends prediction for 2023

According to various fashion editors, critics and publications, 2023 will be a mesh between continuing…

1 year ago

BLACKPINK take over the O2

The biggest girl group in the world shut down the O2 arena in December. The…

1 year ago

Does museum glass cause more harm than good to oil paintings?

With many paintings in danger of damage, are museums protecting the longevity of their valuables?…

1 year ago

Chelsea are undefeated since the World Cup as they face Man City on Thursday

Chelsea F.C. have gotten off to a good start since Christmas and haven't lost a…

1 year ago

Tottenham falls behind in the Champions League race

Tottenham Hotspur lost their first game since Christmas in a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa…

1 year ago