Avian flu is the latest in long line of challenges for the UK’S farmers
NFU County Adviser Andrew Critchlow outlines the new restrictions which have come into force with the return of avian influenza
THE Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have agreed to bring in new housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza (AI) following a number of confirmed cases across Great Britain in recent weeks.
This is a repeat of what has happened several times during the last few years. Wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter months can carry the disease and this can lead to cases in poultry and other captive birds.
Once introduced to the country it can also be spread between poultry flocks.
The new housing measures, which came into force on Monday, November 29, mean that it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.
England’s Chief Veterinary Officers said: “Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from Monday, November, 29, onwards you will be legally required to keep your birds indoors, or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds.
“We have not taken this decision lightly, taking this action now is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”
Poultry and captive bird keepers are advised to 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.
Poultry keepers must now do the following:
● house or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds
● 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
● 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
If there is a confirmed case of AI disease control zones of up to 10km radius are designated around the outbreak. If you have any poultry on your farm, even just a few chickens in the garden, this makes you a poultry keeper and if any part of your holding falls within one of the Disease Control Zones then restrictions will also apply to the movement of any livestock, including cattle, horses, sheep etc.
Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find. If you find dead swans, geese or ducks or other wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. There is no impact on the consumption of properly cooked poultry products including eggs. Avian influenza is in no way connected to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus which is not carried in poultry.
Taking this action now is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.
Chief Veterinary Officers