The UK is facing its largest ever outbreak of bird flu, with more than 150 cases confirmed across the country since October 2021. As a result, bird keepers are being urged to maintain strict biosecurity measures.
The Government has now set up Regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZ) for poultry and captive birds in Devon, Cornwall, Suffolk, Norfolk and parts of Somerset and Essex. This means it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers in these areas to follow strict measures.
The Government says: “AIPZs will remain in place until further notice, and will be kept under regular review as part of the Government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza. This does not apply to the rest of England, but all bird keepers should still follow enhanced measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks.”
The Government is seeking to reassure people that there is no wider health risk from avian flu, saying on the Gov.uk website: “Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find and instead report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77. There is no impact on the consumption of properly cooked poultry products, including eggs.”
Meanwhile, all poultry gatherings, including at fairs, shows and markets, remain banned. This is due to a large number of flocks mixing together and the risk posed by any infections spreading across the country.
The advice to poultry owner is to:
- cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
- keep records of mortality, movement of poultry and poultry products and any changes in production
- thoroughly clean and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
- keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
- minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
- prevent access by poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas.
In terms of wild birds, you should call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) if you find:
- one or more dead bird of prey or owl
- 3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks)
- 5 or more dead birds of any species
