Call for caution as bird flu measures are eased
THE Welsh Government has sounded a note of caution as measures which were introduced to curb bird flu cases are due to be dropped.
The mandatory housing course of action, which was introduced in late November 2021 following an outbreak of avian flu, will now be scrapped.
From yesterday, poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed, unless they are in a protection zone, and will be allowed to be kept outside.
For the past month, free-range eggs had to have stickers or labels marking them as “barn eggs” and supermarkets had to display information in-store and online to tell consumers what is happening and why.
It is expected the free-range eggs will start to appear on shelves this week, however, eggs laid before then that are still labelled as “barn eggs” may take a few days to sell.
The risk of bird flu has been reduced from “high” to “medium” for premises with poor biosecurity while further requirements brought in to protect flocks from the outbreak – including cleansing and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles and limiting access to non-essential people on sites – will remain in force for the next few weeks.
The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu with over 100 cases confirmed across the country since late October. Scrupulous biosecurity is the most effective method of disease control available and all bird keepers should apply enhanced measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks.
In a joint statement, shared by the Welsh Government, the four Chief Veterinary Officers said: “Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe.
“It is thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets, who have played their part in keeping flocks safe this winter, that we are in a position to take this action.
“However, the recent cases of avian influenza show that it’s more important than ever for bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”
The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in force across the UK, with only the housing measures component being lifted from yesterday.
This means all bird keepers (whether they have pet birds, a commercial sized or a backyard flock) must be diligent in continuing to take effective and precautionary biosecurity measures including cleansing and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles, limiting access to nonessential people on their sites, and workers changing clothing and footwear before entering and when leaving bird enclosures.
Poultry and captive bird keepers must be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.
All bird keepers must:
cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing;
reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control;
thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis;
keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points; and
minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
All keepers are being urged to register their flocks with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
For poultry this is a legal requirement if you have 50 birds or more (poultry includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeon (bred for meat), partridge, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants). Registering means that officers will be able to contact you with information or action required should an outbreak happen near you.
Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find.
If you find dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77. For further information see our advice to the public.
Public health advice is that the risk to human health is very low.
The Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland advise that avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and it does not change their current advice on consumption of poultry products including eggs.
Bird keepers should report suspicion of disease in Wales to 0300 303 8268