Avian Flu (Bird 'flu) - Latest Information and Guidance
LINK TO DEFRA WEBSITE: DEFRA WEBSITE BIRD FLU INFO
Update 24th November 2021:
The Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have agreed to bring in new measures to help protect poultry and captive birds. The new housing measures will come into force across the UK from 00:01 on Monday 29 November 2021 to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza following a number of confirmed cases across Great Britain in recent weeks.
For our advice on how to deal with this housing order please watch our latest video: Bird Flu Housing Order 29th Nov 2021
Or visit our Information Centre Bird Flu page.
Update 22nd November. Further cases confirmed:
- a second premises near Thirsk, North Yorkshire
- a second premises near Leeming Bar, Yorkshire
Update 21st November 2021. Further cases have been confirmed in:
- Harrogate, Hambleton, Thirsk and Richmondshire (Yorkshire)
- Wells-next-the-Sea (Norfolk)
- Mouldsworth and Chester (Cheshire)
- Silecroft (Cumbria)
Update 19th November 2021:
- Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in birds near Pokesdown, Bournemouth, Dorset. Further testing is underway to confirm the pathogenicity of the strain. 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones have been put in place around the premises.
- Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in birds near Willington, South Derbyshire. It has now been confirmed to be a highly pathogenic strain (HPAI H5N1). Following confirmation of the pathogenicity, the Temporary Control Zones have been revoked and replaced by a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone.
Update 17th November 2021:
- Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in birds near Willington, South Derbyshire. Further testing is underway to confirm the pathogenicity of the strain. 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones have been put in place surrounding the premises.
- Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in birds near Kirkham, Fylde, Lancashire. This has been confirmed to be a highly pathogenic strain (HPAI H5N1). Temporary Control Zones have been revoked and replaced by a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone.
Update 13th November 2021:
- Avian influenza H5N1 was confirmed in birds near Leeming Bar, Hambleton, North Yorkshire. Further testing confirmed this as a highly pathogenic strain (HPAI H5N1). All birds on the infected premises will be humanely culled. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been declared around the premises.
On 3 November 2021 DEFRA declared that an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been put in place across Great Britain. The AIPZ means all bird keepers in Great Britain (whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in your garden) are required by law to take a range of biosecurity precautions. A large fine would be handed down to anyone breaching these regulations.
You must:
- Keep free-ranging birds in fenced areas to minimise contact with wild birds, neighbouring poultry, or captive birds
- Monitor all outdoor areas to remove wild bird contaminants like faeces, feathers, and wild bird carcases (never handle dead birds with bare hands, please wear gloves).
- Fence off or put netting over areas of standing water or ponds
- Provide feed and water for your poultry undercover, so wild birds can’t access it
- Make your poultry area unattractive to wild birds. Use bird scarers, foils, or streamers
- Keep Ducks, Geese and other poultry or game birds separate from your flock
- Store bedding undercover to reduce the risk of contamination
- Clean and disinfect footwear before and after tending to your birds. Place footbaths containing DEFRA approved disinfectant at all entry and exit points
- Clean and disinfect hard surfaces, equipment, and vehicles regularly
- Keep the movement of people, vehicles, and equipment to and from bird areas to a minimum and keep records of movements when necessary
- Keep records of poultry, captive bird, and egg movements
- Ensure pest control is in place to minimise your birds contact with potential disease carriers
See Also our Information Centre page about Bird Flu - Hints and Tips
