Current circumstance
The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) for poultry and captive birds, presented to help stop the spread of bird influenza (‘bird flu’), has actually been lifted.
The boosted biosecurity steps were generated throughout Great Britain in October when there was a medium threat for some poultry properties. The steps have actually been crucial in securing flocks throughout the nation from the infection which is flowing in wild birds.
The threat of bird influenza has actually now decreased to low for all poultry. As an outcome, the necessary requirements were lifted from 4 July 12pm. The threat has actually decreased however as we have actually seen with recent properties verifications, it has actually not disappeared.
The scale of bird influenza break outs throughout the UK and Europe have actually been unmatched with cases being validated into the 2nd year of a break out for the very first time. The UK has actually faced its biggest ever break out of bird influenza with over 330 cases validated throughout the nation because late October 2021. Find out more about the latest bird influenza circumstance in England and assistance for bird keepers and the general public.
The avoidance determines presented through the AIPZ consisting of housing steps are presented in a phased and escalating way proportionate to the intensifying threat to a location and might be presented or withdrawn on a local or nationwide basis depending upon the epidemiological circumstance.
All bird keepers should follow boosted steps at all times to avoid the threat of future break outs and stay watchful for indications of illness.
Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said:
“Now we remain in the summertime and the threat to poultry throughout Great Britain has actually decreased, it is the correct time to raise the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone.
“This would not have been possible without the hard work of all bird keepers, who have upheld high biosecurity standards for many months. However, there are still localised areas of risk as we have seen recently, and therefore it’s vital that everyone keeps biosecurity and cleanliness at the forefront of their minds to keep their flocks safe.”
All poultry events, consisting of at fairs, programs and markets, stay prohibited, due to a a great deal of flocks blending together and the threat positioned by any infections spreading out throughout the nation.
The UKHSA encourage that the available proof recommends infections presently flowing in birds in the UK do not spread out quickly to individuals and food requirements bodies encourage that bird influenzas posture a really low food safety threat for UK customers. There is no effect on the usage of effectively prepared poultry items, consisting of eggs.
Do not touch or get any dead or ill birds that you discover and rather report them utilizing the brand-new online reporting system or by calling the Defra helpline.
Avian influenza remains in no other way linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is brought on by the SARS-CoV-2 infection and is not brought in poultry or captive birds.
Advice to poultry keepers
All bird keepers should keep a close watch on them for indications of illness and keep good biosecurity at all times. If you have any issues about the health of your birds, look for timely guidance from your veterinarian.
All bird keepers (whether they are pet birds, a business farm or simply a couple of birds in a yard flock) can stay watchful and help avoid bird influenza by:
- cleaning and sanitizing clothes, shoes, equipment and cars prior to and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, usage non reusable protective clothes
- minimizing the motion of individuals, cars or equipment to and from locations where poultry and captive birds are kept, to reduce contamination from manure, slurry and other items, and utilize efficient vermin control
- completely cleaning and sanitizing housing on a constant basis
- keep fresh disinfectant at the ideal concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
- reduce direct and indirect contact in between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, consisting of making certain all feed and water is not available to wild birds
See our biosecurity guidance for additional information.
Avian influenza (bird influenza) is a notifiable animal illness. If you presume any kind of bird influenza in poultry or captive birds you should report it instantly by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, call 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your regional Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offense.
Cases in England
For information of the existing bird influenza H5N1 cases in England and the steps that use in the illness control zones around these cases, go to the bird influenza: cases and illness control zones in England assistance.
Bird keepers can inspect what zone they are in on our interactive map.
Wild birds
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) performs year-round bird influenza monitoring of dead wild birds sent through public reports and warden patrols.
You ought to report online or call the Defra helpline if you discover:
- 1 or more dead bird of victim, gull, swan, goose or duck in the exact same location
- 5 or more dead wild birds of any other types in the exact same location
APHA then gather a few of these birds and test them to help us comprehend how the illness is dispersed geographically and in various kinds of bird. Not all birds will be gathered.
Do not touch or get any dead or noticeably ill birds that you discover. For more info go to our assistance on reporting dead wild birds.
For even more information see the report (upgraded weekly) of findings of HPAI in wild birds in Great Britain.
Sick or hurt wild birds ought to not be reported to the Defra Helpline. You can report ill or hurt birds of victim, gulls, swans, geese or ducks in England and Wales to the RSPCA (0300 1234 999) and in Scotland to the SSPCA (03000 999 999).
The RSPCA website brings info on what to do if you discover a wild bird from a smaller sized types.
