By Bird flu prevention zone declared across Great Britain following outbreak of disease
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across Great Britain following an outbreak of bird flu cases in wild birds across the country.
From Wednesday 3 November, the prevention zone came into force to mitigate the risk of bird flu spreading among poultry and captive birds.
It has also become a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks.
Now, keepers with more than 500 birds will be required to restrict access for “non-essential” people on their sites, and workers will need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures.
Site vehicles will also need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
Domestic ducks and geese will need to be kept separate from other poultry, and birds will need to be fed and watered in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds.
Bird flu circulates naturally in wild birds, and when they migrate to the UK from mainland Europe over the winter, they can spread the disease to poultry and other captive birds.
The UK health agencies advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the UK food standards agencies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
In a joint statement, the Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland and Wales said: “Following a number of detections of avian influenza in wild birds across Great Britain we have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone across the whole of Great Britain. This means that all bird keepers must take action now to prevent the disease spreading to poultry and other domestic birds.
“Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you are now legally required to introduce higher biosecurity standards on your farm or small holding. It is in your interests to do so in order to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.
“The UK health agencies have confirmed that the risk to public health is very low and UK food standards agencies advise that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.”
The prevention zone will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review.
Poultry keepers and members of the public should report dead wild birds to Defra’s national dead wild bird helpline on 03459 33 55 77 (select option 7) and keepers should report suspicion of disease to the Animal Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301.
