Update on Bird Flu Biosecurity Measures In England

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The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation is informing its members that the Government has today (8 February) set out initial plans to update the temporary measures that are in place to reduce the risk of avian flu in England, when the current Prevention Zone expires on 28 February 2017. A summary of the statement can be read below and in full by clicking here

The proposed measures set out today are based on current levels of disease risk and scientific advice. Measures may change between now and 28 February, but those with captive birds [including gamebirds] should use the measures set out now for planning purposes.

Based on the latest situation and current scientific advice from the Chief Veterinary Officer, from 28 February the Government anticipates adopting a more targeted approach with mandatory biosecurity measures across the country and continued housing or range netting in higher risk areas. These measures would be reviewed at the end of April.

Currently, anyone who keeps poultry or captive birds [including gamebirds] is required by law to house them, or otherwise keep them separate from wild birds, to reduce the risk of disease spreading. This requirement remains in place until 28 February and guidance on how to comply is available online

The proposed temporary measures are designed so those with captive flocks can allow birds outside from 28 February, whilst still taking reasonable precautions against avian flu during the current outbreak. A final decision will be confirmed at the end of February.

Public Health England advises that the risk to public health from avian flu is very low and the Food Standards Agency has said there is no food safety risk for UK consumers.

Updated measures from 28 February 2017

From 28 February all keepers of poultry and other captive birds [including captive gamebirds] must continue to follow Defra’s guidance on maintaining good biosecurity and keep a close watch on the health of their birds.

Defra says all keepers of poultry and captive birds must also continue to keep their birds separate from wild birds, by:

Those with more than 1,000 captive birds will have to meet additional biosecurity measures including identifying clearly defined areas where access is limited and vehicles, equipment and footwear must be disinfected. Anyone planning to allow their birds outdoors from 28 February must take action now to reduce the risk of infection from birds being let outside by following guidance published today

Higher Risk Areas

While the risk of H5N8 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, Defra believes the risk is considered too great to move to the alternative biosecurity package and compulsory housing or total netting will continue to be mandatory. Defra expects around 75 per cent of poultry keepers to be unaffected. An interactive map will be available from tomorrow [9 February] which will show, in detail, locations likely to be designated as higher risk.

Background Information

A spokesman for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation said: “We would like to remind members that Defra is working with industry on ways to robustly enforce all these measures because the outbreaks cause birds to suffer, damage businesses and cost the UK taxpayer millions. Defra has stressed that due to the significant potential impact of disease spread, it expects a high level of compliance from all poultry and captive bird keepers, which includes those with gamebirds. Please keep checking the NGO website for further updates.”

Important: 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.