Countdown to New Bird Flu Regulations Begins

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The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation is notifying its members that H5N8 bird flu has been confirmed in a small flock of chickens at a farm near Haltwhistle, Northumberland. The measures that Defra has taken in response to the outbreak are set out further below.

Defra has also issued a reminder that from 28 February – across England – it will be updating bird flu controls and adopting a more targeted approach to tackling the threat from bird flu, with mandatory biosecurity measures and continued housing or range netting in “higher risk areas”. You can find out whether you are in a higher risk area by using Defra’s interactive map.

Please be aware there are different arrangements in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

NGO members in Wales with captive birds (including gamebirds) should be aware that a new Avian Influenza Prevention Zone comes into force on 28 February and will run to 30 April 2017. Full details, including the requirement to complete an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone Self Assessment Form, are available by clicking here. Please note that Welsh Government strategy does NOT incorporate the “higher risk areas” approach used in England.

After 28 February in England, Defra says the housing of birds will no longer be required by law for most of those with captive birds, and birds will be able to go outside provided specific precautions are taken against avian flu. Anyone planning to allow birds outdoors from 28 February is required by Defra to take action NOW to reduce the risk of infection. Defra’s detailed advice can be found by clicking here. This announcement replaces the provisional information published by Defra on 6 February, and applies to all those with captive birds from 28 February until 30 April 2017 (unless the controls are modified before then).

Those with more than 500 birds will be required by law to take some extra biosecurity measures. These include identifying defined areas where access by non-essential people and vehicles is restricted, and cleaning and disinfecting vehicles, equipment and footwear. Click here for details.

In Northumberland, H5N8 avian flu was confirmed on 24 February in a small flock of chickens at a farm near Haltwhistle, Northumberland. The flock contained around 35 birds. A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading. Details of the controls put in place by Defra are available here. Defra’s interactive map can be used to check the boundaries of any restriction zone.

Shooting is not restricted where 3km Protection and 10km Surveillance Zones are in force. The NGO would urge however shooting interests in the vicinity of bird flu outbreaks to consider their planning at this time.

Public Health England advises that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency is clear that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

A spokesman for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation said: “Avian influenza continues to circulate in wild birds hence it is vital that all those with captive birds, including gamebirds, remain vigilant. Be aware that on 28 February new bird flu measures come into force in England, Wales and Scotland. The strategies used to combat bird flu differ so make sure you are aware of your particular responsibilities in advance of the 28 February deadline, and are able to put in place all the measures that are required. Please continue to check the NGO website and our social media for updates.”

Other essential information

The NGO reminds its members and others in the shooting community that government came together with countryside and shooting organisations on 13 January and issued important information about bird flu to all those specifically involved with gamebirds. For the background to the announcement and for the link leading to the advice, please click here

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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