Avian Influenza – some frequently asked questions and answers

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Sunday 9 October 2022

The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation have been at the leading edge of getting advice out to our members with regards to avian influenza. We have put together the following answers to the most frequently asked questions. This document will be updated as new questions arise.

1. If any part of my shoot / estate fall into an avian influenza surveillance zone or protection zone, can we shoot?

Game shooting is usually not affected by an avian influenza outbreak in terms of being legally able to shoot wild birds. If the outbreak is deemed to be a threat to human health, then DEFRA can impose a restriction on wild bird / game bird shooting. Each control zone and protection zone will have its own set of rules and you will need to check on the specific requirements of your area.

2. If we do shoot within a 3 or 10km zone, can we still sell the game meat?

The simple answer is yes. BUT you will need to check with your AGHE (game dealer) if they are willing to take the birds into their plant. Game dealers who export will lose their export license if they accept birds from the zones. The game can still be used as meat products locally and all participants are able to take game home to eat. Another factor to consider is the increased popularity of feeding raw meat to dogs. It is worth noting that you must not feed raw carcasses of birds from the zones to dogs. It is considered safe if the meat has been cooked thoroughly.

3. If I think my released / wild game birds have avian influenza, what do I need to do?

Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.

You should call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) if you find:

• one or more dead bird of prey or owl
• 3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks)
• 5 or more dead birds of any species including game birds

To start with you should not pick up or touch wild birds you suspect to have bird flu until after you have contacted DEFRA and they have given you advice.

Calls to the Defra helpline about dead wild birds are triaged and not all birds will be collected. The criteria for which birds are collected are adjusted to increase or decrease the sensitivity of surveillance.

4. Do I need to collect up dead birds after we have contacted DEFRA?

If dead wild birds are not needed for avian influenza surveillance purposes i.e. if DEFRA will not be collecting them (or there are more carcasses than DEFRA has removed) and landowners have taken the decision to remove carcasses, it is the landowner’s responsibility to arrange safe disposal of the carcasses. You need to consider personal protective equipment for staff who would be picking up dead birds and also very strict bio-security protocol for staff, clothing and vehicles.

Dead wild birds must be disposed of as Category 1 animal by-products if it is suspected that the animals were infected with a disease which can spread to people or animals such as avian influenza. You will need to arrange for a suitable waste disposal contractor to collect from your site and all appropriate bio-security measures must be adhered to.

5. Should we use foot dips and wheel washes?

We strongly recommend that all shoots and estates keep to the strictest bio-security and use foot dips for all visitors to the estate including those who are shooting and working on the shoot even on a temporary basis.

Everything you can do to help stop the spread of avian influenza will help, which includes wheel washes and foot dips.

Equipment that is used should also be cleaned. This ncludes removing mud where the virus might harbour.

A useful document on Biosecurity can be found on the Trusted Game Facebook page, or email info@trustedgame.co.uk for a copy

6. Which disinfectants are suitable for foot dips?

You should speak to your game bird vet with regards to the most suitable disinfectants for your own shoot.

The NGO have taken advice from the St David’s Veterinary group who have recommended the following:-

• Halamid at 2% for foot dips and 1.5% for vehicle / equipment disinfection
• Intercid at 1%
• Interkokask concentrate at 2%

Some other disinfectants are also suitable but not all. Veterinary or other specialist advice is recommended. You must read the label instructions for correct dilution rates and replace as necessary.

7. Should guns and beaters / loaders / pickers up also use foot dips etc?

Yes – every visitor to the estate / farm / shoot who is going to be near areas where wild birds / game birds are should be made to adhere to all bio-security measures.

Ask everyone to come with CLEAN footwear for use in the field. No mud on shoes, boots and wellies and be prepared to be asked to dip your feet.

Vehicles should not arrive with mud on the wheel arches, side steps etc. Footwells should also be clean and free of mud prior to arriving at the shoot.

Consider if you need to bring a dog with you. The virus can remain active on animals, clothing and dirt for over 72 hours.

If you live within an avian influenza control zone or protection zone, please consider whether travelling to a shooting estate is the right thing to do.

8. Can I still protect crops from damage to birds such as pigeons etc under the general license?

Yes. As with game shooting this can carry on as long as you meet all the requirements of the general license. The birds shot through the process of crop protection are able to be sold and consumed but like game birds you will need to have a conversation with your AGHE (game dealer) before taking birds to their premises.

You should also adhere to the bio-security advice above. Clean footwear, clean vehicles, clean equipment which includes all decoy equipment, and your dog should be quarantined at home for 72 hours or more.
Can I still release game birds in areas where there is an avian influenza housing order?

No, it is not possible to release any gamebirds even if they are already in the pens where a housing order has been implemented by DEFRA.

9. Should deer stalkers still be allowed on the estate?

That is a policy for each individual shoot / farm / estate to make. If deer stalking is allowed to continue the stalkers should adhere to the same strict bio-security advice as every other visitor to the land. Deer carcasses can still go to an AGHE even if they are from an affected area.

If you have any questions, please email tim.weston@nationalgamekeepers.org.uk