Defra Issues Postcode Map of Higher Risk Bird Flu Areas

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The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation is informing its members that Defra has published today (9 February) an interactive map showing areas within England thought to be at higher risk of avian influenza. The online map follows on from the advice issued by Defra yesterday, which can be read here. To view Defra’s interactive map for England click here.

Defra has said that while the risk of H5N8 bird flu remains high across the country, areas close to substantial inland or coastal bodies of water, where significant numbers of wild birds collect, are at an even higher risk. In these areas of England, the risk is considered to be too great to move to the alternative biosecurity package (for details click here) and compulsory housing or total netting will continue to be mandatory after 28 February. Officials have indicated that, if confirmed, the proposals are likely to remain in place at least until the end of April.

Defra has published guidance to indicate where these areas are likely to be in England, based on current risk levels. To find out whether you are within an area of higher risk simply enter your postcode into Defra’s interactive map.

A spokesman for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, which represents keepers in England and Wales, said: “Go online to see if your postcode shows you to be in an area at higher risk of bird flu in England. While the proposed measures are based on current levels of disease risk and scientific advice, and may change between now and 28 February, please use the time well to plan ahead. Keep checking the NGO website and social media for updates.”

In Scotland The Scottish Government said today (9 February) that an avian influenza Prevention Zone for all poultry and captive birds (including gamebirds) will remain in force until the end of April. For details click here.

After 28 February however the requirements of the zone will be amended, and the option will then exist of letting birds go outside, provided enhanced biosecurity to minimise the risk of infection from wild birds is in place. The measures will apply across all of Scotland, with no targeting of specific areas [which is in contrast to the proposals issued yesterday by Defra].

Other important 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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