Avian Influenza November 2022

Following a UK-wide increase in the number of detections of Avian Influenza (bird flu) in wild birds and on commercial premises, last week the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Great Britain to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds.

It is now a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of Avian Influenza.

Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds are to be introduced to all areas of England from 00.01 on Monday 7 November 2022, following a decision by the United Kingdom’s Chief Veterinary Officer.

More information about the housing order can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-housing-order-to-be-introduced-across-england

People should not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick wild birds that they find. They should call the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77 if they find one or more dead bird of prey or owl; three or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks); five or more dead birds of any species.