Avian influenza movement restriction to be cut to a 30 day minimum

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Last week, the EU Commission published a Delegated Act to introduce a change to what has become known as the 90-day rule. The ‘90-day rule’ refers to the minimum surveillance period and restriction of exporting poultry out of the EU, following a confirmed case of avian influenza. This time span will now be reduced to 30 days. 

The NGO and our Aim to Sustain partners are hoping that this change in trade regulations between EU and non-EU countries will reduce delays to the import of gamebirds. The new trade rule between the EU and non-EU countries will now align with the trade agreement within the EU bloc, which is what the NGO have been campaigning for since early 2022, when the continued HPAI outbreak in France and subsequent export issues became apparent. 

The Act is due to come into force on 6th February 2023. In addition, Defra has received Ministerial clearance to implement a reciprocal arrangement. The precise date for the legislative change to be fully enacted in the UK will be shared with our members once it is confirmed.  

The 90-day rule, which has applied to the UK since leaving the EU, meant that the supply chain issues many keepers experienced last season were exacerbated. The change to a 30-day minimum surveillance period should mean that if a similar HPAI outbreak were to occur in future, its impact would be reduced.  

However it is important to note that this is not a magic solution, and that in the UK (as well as both EU and non-EU countries) a surveillance period will still exist following an outbreak of AI, meaning that exports would be affected.  

A key factor in determining how quickly the required surveillance activity can be completed is the accuracy of the Poultry Register. The efficiency of the Poultry Register process is vital if game bird keepers are to make the most of this change. Additionally, any shoot or game farm that finds itself in a disease control zone is likely to need a licence for some of their activity and this cannot be obtained unless they are on the poultry register. 

All game farms and shoots that release 50 or more birds are required by law to register. Any shoots or game farms that have not registered are urged to do so.  

Dominic Boulton, of the Game Farmers’ Association, said:  

“The 90-day surveillance period exacerbated gamebird supply chain issues last summer. By cutting the time frame by two-thirds it is hoped trade can be freed up at no greater risk of spreading the disease.  

“While there remain several unanswered questions regarding the changes, the news should provide gamekeepers and shoot owners with a degree of clarity for when they are making decisions on sourcing gamebirds for next season. 

“With the risk of further avian influenza outbreaks remaining high, it is important to acknowledge that this change will not be a so-called ‘silver bullet’ for the sector. The 30-day period remains a minimum amount of time and in most cases the required disease control and surveillance activity will take longer, which has the potential disrupt plans.   

“The decisive action by both EU and UK parties in response to the concerns of the gamebird and wider poultry sector has provided reassurance that everything is being done that can be to ensure smooth trade between countries.” 

Further updates will follow as the situation develops.