We (Jack) had an interesting chat with our vet today. The conversation began with a chat about whether to test the cows for fluke. (It was a 'no', as the sheep and goats have come back negative and so the chances of the cows being positive are VERY slim, especially as they have not spent much time grazing in the (wet) 3-acre field).
The talk then moved onto the Avian Bird Flu 'lockdown' and Jack asked for the practice's official take on it. Following a description of our set up here, Rachel advised that we actually let our birds out for a couple of hours each day. This was based on the size of their indoor stall plus the potential risk here in North Devon set alongside the overall welfare of our birds. The vet’s advice was hugely welcomed (once we had got over the surprise) and then led to further discussions between ourselves about what a balance exists between individual flock welfare and the overall risk to the country's poultry population.
We are continuing to feed inside and have the drinkers inside too as well as being our usual careful selves re hygiene and cleanliness. And so it was that around 2pm we opened up the stable doors. No encouragement was needed and out they all came. The ducks had a fly, a wash and then a perch. It was so good to see (amidst a slight sense of nervousness...).!