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Bird flu flockdown? 5-star chicken hotel forced to close due to outbreak

On October 28, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced a lockdown after a nearby bird flu case, forcing Katriona Shovlin to close Hen Weekend in Upchurch, Kent.
Defra placed the locality in a 3km control zone after a large outbreak about a mile away, imposing movement restrictions and area inspections to protect poultry and livelihoods.
The business had been thriving and was booked solid before the lockdown, with the hotel offering enrichment like dust baths and music for hens.
Losing her main income, Kat says she has struggled mentally and financially during the three‑month 'flockdown', with owners paying only a small fee covering hens' food.
With inspections ongoing, the site remains locked under biosecurity rules including locked enclosures, roof coverings, netting, and shoe disinfectant and clothing changes, while Defra inspections and area-wide checks delay reopening until there are no more cases, leaving Kat unsure when she can reopen.

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