As a result of a rising number of cases the UK Chief Veterinary Officer has ordered a new Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to cover the whole of England as of noon on Saturday 25 January. The decision requires bird keepers to conduct enhanced biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of further outbreaks of the disease.
Commonly known as bird flu, avian influenza is a disease of birds which presents a very low risk to human health but a significant threat to the United Kingdom’s poultry industry and kept bird populations. It also poses a threat to natural biodiversity through its impacts on wild birds. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have stated that the risk to humans remains low with chicken and eggs safe to eat if cooked properly.
The AIPZ applies to all bird keepers whether the birds are pets, backyard flocks or a commercial flock and is in place across the whole of England and Scotland. It’s vital that people who keep birds continue to practice good biosecurity to prevent further outbreaks and protect their birds from becoming infected with this disease. Although wild birds have introduced the disease, it is often humans that cause the spread to their birds.
The main causes of bird flu in poultry and other captive birds are contact with:
- wild birds, in particular waterfowl such as geese, ducks and swans and gulls.
- faeces from infected birds.
- dirty footwear, clothing, vehicles and equipment.
Bird keepers should follow this guidance to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading: Bird flu (avian influenza): how to prevent it and stop it spreading - GOV.UK
Measures include:
- Minimise contact with wild birds by keeping free range birds in fenced areas or indoors.
- Providing bedding, feed and water under cover so wild birds don’t have access to it.
- Check outside areas around your birds’ housing daily and remove wild bird feathers, faeces and carcasses.
- Cleaning and disinfecting footwear before and after looking after birds.
- Clean and disinfect all hard surfaces, concrete walkways, paths and similar surfaces regularly using a Defra-approved disinfectant
- Keep bird houses and sheds in good order to prevent water and wild birds getting in.
- Keeping ducks and geese separate from other poultry as they do not always show signs of bird flu.
Bird keepers are reminded that they must register within one month of keeping poultry or other captive birds at any premises in England or Wales. You’re breaking the law if you don’t register.
Register as a keeper of:
Registering means the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) can contact you during a bird flu outbreak.
Anyone coming across dead birds can find out more information about reporting it here: Report dead wild birds - GOV.UK
