Following the outbreak of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza A virus subtype H5N3 in a commercial chicken flock in Mid Suffolk on 10 December 2019, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have today lifted the 1km Restricted Zone. This follows from the required surveillance in the Restricted Zone being completed with negative results.
Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of bird flu in poultry you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.
If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77 - please select option 7).
If you keep poultry, whether commercially on a farm, or as pets in your garden, or rearing game birds, you should keep a close watch on them for signs of disease, and maintain good biosecurity at all times. If you have any concerns about the health of your poultry, seek prompt advice from your vet.
Poultry includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeon (bred for meat), partridge, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants. You should register your poultry, even if only kept as pets, so that DEFRA can contact you during an outbreak. This is a legal requirement if you have 50 or more birds.
