“Safeguarding Flocks: The Latest Strategies Against Avian Influenza in England and Wales”

A concise overview of obligations that bird owners in the AIPZ must fulfill is outlined below, however, all owners are encouraged to thoroughly review Defra’s declaration in detail to understand the complete requirements, as these may vary based on the number of birds in your care:

• contain all poultry and captive birds (except under specific conditions e.g. zoo birds)
• store feed and bedding indoors
• sanitize and disinfect attire, footwear, tools and vehicles prior to and after interacting with poultry and captive birds – if feasible, utilize disposable protective gear
• limit the movement of individuals, vehicles, or equipment to and from regions housing poultry and captive birds, to diminish contamination from manure, slurry, and other materials
• implement effective rodent control in any locations where poultry and captive birds are sheltered
• regularly cleanse and disinfect housing and concrete paths
• maintain a supply of fresh disinfectant at the correct concentration at each entry and exit point of farms and poultry housing
• make your property less appealing to wild birds (e.g. use bird deterrents, foils, or streamers)

Risk levels

The present risk to human health remains extremely low, and well-cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe for consumption. UKHSA continues to monitor for any signs of shifting risk levels and is consistently reviewing this situation.

The threat of HPAI H5 in wild birds within Great Britain is evaluated as very high.

The exposure risk of poultry to HPAI H5 in Great Britain is assessed as follows:

• high where biosecurity practices are inadequate or poorly enforced
• medium where good biosecurity is consistently practiced at all times.

Stay alert

In response to the updates, NFU Poultry Board chair James Mottershead stated: “Considering the recent confirmed occurrences of avian influenza and the heightened risk levels for both wild birds and poultry, I encourage all bird owners, irrespective of their scale or location, to stay alert and report any symptoms of illness in their birds promptly.

“Upholding rigorous biosecurity measures is essential, whether you are a large commercial poultry farmer or an individual keeping a few hens in your backyard. As long as the AIPZ housing regulations are in place along with required biosecurity, we encourage Defra to continually assess the necessity for any additional and broader measures to ensure poultry farmers can safeguard the health and welfare of their flocks.”

If illness is suspected

If you suspect avian influenza in poultry or any other captive birds, it is imperative to report it immediately by calling:

Avian influenza is a notifiable disease in poultry and other captive birds. Failing to report it constitutes a legal violation.