Bird Flu Update

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The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation is reminding its members and others within the shooting community of the need to remain vigilant for signs of H5N8 avian influenza (bird flu) in captive and wild birds, and to continue to maintain the biosecurity strategy appropriate to their location.

Be aware that avian influenza continues to circulate in wild birds in the UK. It is also widespread in wild birds in Europe, where upwards of four cases are being reported daily in kept flocks, especially in our near neighbours of France, Germany and Belgium.

The UK-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zones remain in force to combat the risk of bird flu, with different arrangements in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In England, Defra is continuing to adopt an alternative approach to tackling the threat, with mandatory biosecurity measures and continued housing or range netting in “higher risk areas”. You can find out whether you are in one of England’s higher risk areas by using Defra’s interactive map.

In the UK, there have been no further outbreaks in captive flocks since bird flu was confirmed at Haltwhistle in Northumberland on 24 February 2017, where the combined 10km control zone remains in force. With the exception of Haltwhistle, all other local (3km and 10km) control-zone restrictions around previously infected premises have now been lifted. Those living in the area of Haltwhistle with captive birds should refer to Defra’s interactive map for details.

Please note. There is a longstanding legal requirement to register with the Government if you keep a total of 50 or more gamebirds or other poultry (all bird keepers are expected to register in Northern Ireland). The requirement to register applies even if your premises are only stocked for part of the year. Use these links to register in England, in Scotland, in Wales, or in Northern Ireland.

A spokesman for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation said: “It is important that all with captive birds, including gamebirds, do not drop their guard in protecting their flocks against bird flu, which continues to circulate in wild birds, both here and on the continent. Please also ensure you are on the GB poultry register if you keep a total of 50 or more gamebirds or other poultry. Likewise remain vigilant, and be on the look out for disease in captive birds, and report dead wild birds, where appropriate. Keep checking the NGO website and social media for new information.”

The NGO also reminds members and all others with gamebirds that a revised version of the document Bird Flu and Gamebirds was published on 3 March by government and countryside and shooting organisations to reflect the new bird flu regulations that came into force on 28 February 2017 in England, Wales and Scotland, and in Northern Ireland on 17 March.

The updated information, which is endorsed by Defra, the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments and collated by seven leading countryside and shooting organisations (BASC, CA, CLA, GFA, GWCT, NGO and SGA), can be downloaded here.

Other essential information

The NGO continues to ask its members to be vigilant and to report any dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls or five or more dead wild birds of other species, when encountered in the same location in unusual circumstances, to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77. Details of how to spot the symptoms of bird flu can be found here

Official guidance and advice on all relevant aspects of avian influenza – from implementing biosecurity measures to spotting symptoms and how to go about reporting suspected cases – are available in a directory on the Defra website. It can be viewed by clicking here

Remember the general licence for bird gatherings has been amended, such that gatherings with poultry or captive birds of the Anseriforme [ducks, geese and swans] and Galliforme [game and poultry] orders are prohibited.

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