Avian flu update and advice

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We are currently in unprecedented times with regards to Avian Influenza in the United Kingdom. Outbreaks in both domestic, commercial and wild birds have continued throughout the summer months when AI would usually subside, and these outbreaks appear to be continuing through September.  

The NGO have collated some relevant advice from DEFRA, APHA, HSE and the NHS which you can find below. 

We are urging all shoots, no matter how large or small, to revisit your bio-security arrangements ahead of the coming season and to do as much as you can to mitigate any risks of AI on your land.  

Good biosecurity improves overall flock health and productivity by helping to keep out poultry diseases. In the event of an outbreak, it also limits the spread of disease both on and off your premises and cuts the costs of disease treatment and reduces losses.  

While wild birds such as gulls and corvids are believed to be the main factor in the spread of AI, these birds are prevalent throughout the country, so it is vital that anything that could come into contact with birds is disinfected. This includes vehicles, boots/footwear, crates, feeders, drinking stations and any form of housing or pens. Having an effective rodent and pest control system in place is also very important. 

We would also advise having pressure washers, brushes, hoses, water, and fresh supplies of disinfectant available at all points where people should use them.  

Further information from Defra on biosecurity can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1099476/biosecurity-poultry-guide.pdf 

It is also vital that you register your game birds – this is a legal requirement 

You must register using the compulsory registration form which can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/poultry-including-game-birds-registration-rules-and-forms 

This must be done within one month of keeping 50 or more birds on your premises. If you do not register, you are breaking the law. The law applies if you keep:  

• ♦50 or more birds captive for any period of time  
• ♦flocks made up of different species, such as chickens, ducks or geese  
• ♦birds for: the consumption of meat and eggs; other commercial purposes; restocking game birds; or breeding for these 3 purposes.  
• You should also regularly check that APHA have your correct contact details, including email address and mobile phone number. This will allow them to contact you in the event of an outbreak in your area, and will help avoid delays in issuing licences in the event of an outbreak.  

Public health

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low. The regional UKHSA Health Protection Teams are working closely with Defra to monitor the situation and will be providing health advice to persons at any infected premises as a precaution.

The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat. 

The NHS website has further information and if you employ people who work with poultry or work with poultry/game yourself, you can also read Health and Safety Executive advice on protecting workers from avian influenza. 

Dead wild birds (which includes game birds)

Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find. Read the DEFRA wild bird guidance for further information. 

The main clinical signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in birds (which can include any or a combination of the following) are: 

♦sudden and rapid increase in the number of birds found dead 
♦several birds affected in the same area 
♦swollen head 
♦closed and excessively watery eyes 
♦lethargy and depression 
♦recumbency and unresponsiveness 
♦incoordination and loss of balance 
♦head and body tremoring 
♦drooping of the wings or dragging of legs 
♦twisting of the head and neck 
♦swelling and blue discolouration of combs and wattles 
♦haemorrhages on shanks of the legs and under the skin of the neck 
♦loss of appetite or marked decrease in feed consumption 
♦sudden increase or decrease in water consumption 
♦respiratory distress such as gaping (mouth breathing), nasal snicking (coughing sound), sneezing, gurgling or rattling

♦fever or noticeable increase in body temperature 

♦discoloured or loose watery droppings 

♦cessation or marked reduction in egg production or viability of eggs 

Clinical signs can vary between species of bird and some species (for example ducks and geese) may show minimal clinical signs. 

Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) is usually less serious and may show more vague clinical signs. For example, it may cause mild breathing problems but affected birds will not always show clear signs of infection. The severity of LPAI depends on the type of bird and its general health status. 

While the clinical signs outlined above can indicate avian influenza, the presence of avian influenza virus can only be confirmed through laboratory tests.