Poultry outdoor ban begins on February 8.2.2025

The annual ban on keeping poultry and other domestic birds outdoors is in effect from 8.2th February to 31.5st May. During this time, birds must be kept either entirely indoors or in an enclosure that is fenced and covered with a sufficiently dense mesh (mesh size no more than 25 mm) or in a similar manner.

If birds have access to the enclosure described above, a notification must be made to the municipal veterinarian. Notification of holdings in the South Häme Environmental Health Area can be made to elainsuojelu@riihimaki.fi. The notification must indicate at least the bird species, the number of birds and how protection from wild birds is implemented in the outdoor enclosure. Please also remember to make sure that your poultry holding has been added to the animal holding register.

The outdoor ban aims to prevent the spread of contagious animal diseases, especially highly pathogenic avian influenza, which causes high mortality in birds, from wild birds to domestic birds during the migration period. Highly pathogenic avian influenza strains are currently widespread in Europe.

If symptoms suggestive of avian influenza are observed in poultry or other domestic birds, such as abnormal mortality or changes in production, the matter must be reported to the municipal veterinarian.