Following a number of findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds and detections in poultry and increased risk levels, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared covering England and Scotland to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of disease occurring.
The new measures mean bird keepers across the whole of England must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep 50 or more birds (except in specific circumstances e.g. some zoo birds) or if they sell or give eggs, poultry products and live birds away.
An England-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures has also been declared, coming into force immediately. This requires all keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock to undertake enhanced biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease. These enhanced biosecurity measures include reporting of changes in egg production, mandatory record keeping, disinfecting footwear, and cleansing & disinfecting housing and concrete walkways regularly.
All bird keepers in England whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock must:
- 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.
- Carry out effective vermin control in any areas where poultry and captive birds are kept.
- Regularly thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing.
- 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.
Keepers are urged to be vigilant for signs of disease, report it and take action to prevent bird flu spreading.
Details of the zone and the biosecurity measures that bird keepers must comply with can be found in full on GOV.UK