Bird flu – Latest situation: UK-wide housing measures introduced to protect poultry and captive birds against avian flu
- 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.
- See the relevant administrations website below for further information on the latest situation, biosecurity guidance and the requirements of the AIPZ with housing measures declarations in force across the UK:
Changes to Risk Levels
- The risk of incursion of highly pathogenic (HPAI) avian influenza H5 in wild birds has increased from high (event occurs often) to very high (with low uncertainty) for England and high (with high uncertainty) for Wales and Scotland for wild birds.
- The risk of poultry exposure to HPAI H5 across Great Britain has changed from medium (with medium uncertainty) to medium (with low uncertainty) where good biosecurity is applied, but has increased to high (with low uncertainty) where there are substantial biosecurity breaches and poor biosecurity. If, however, stringent biosecurity is in place the risk would be low for these premise.
- Further details on the evidence which supported these decisions can be found in Defra and the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) risk assessments available on GOV.UK
Keepers must keep a close watch on their birds for any signs of disease, and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns. Clinical signs indicative of avian influenza must be reported in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact to the local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.
Dr Lara Harrup, APHA
