UK Declares National Avian Flu Prevention Zone Amid H5N8 Outbreak
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, has launched a nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across England, Wales, and Scotland to battle the rising threat of the H5N8 avian flu virus.
Strict Biosecurity Now Law for All Bird Keepers
All bird keepers must now legally follow tough biosecurity rules to stop the disease spreading. If you own more than 500 birds, you’ll have to:
- Limit access to your bird sites – no non-essential visitors allowed.
- Make staff change clothes and footwear before entering bird areas.
- Regularly clean and disinfect all site vehicles.
Backyard poultry owners with smaller flocks of chickens, ducks, or geese must beef up hygiene measures too, tightening defenses against further outbreaks.
Public Health Reassurances: Low Risk to Humans and Food
Public Health England (PHE) insists the risk to people is very low. The Food Standards Agency backs this up, saying properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat.
Outbreaks Confirmed Across England – Thousands of Birds Culled
Recent weeks saw three separate H5N8 cases in England’s poultry and captive birds, including a confirmed outbreak at a broiler breeder farm in Herefordshire and cases near Dorset.
Thousands of birds have already been culled to control the virus. Middlemiss said:
“I have today declared a national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) legislating for actions all bird keepers must take to help prevent the disease spreading to more poultry and other domestic birds.”
“Public Health England has confirmed that the risk to public health is very low and the Food Standards Agency advises that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.”
“Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you are now legally required to meet enhanced biosecurity requirements and this is in your interests to do, to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”
Key Biosecurity Rules Bird Keepers Must Follow
- Make bird areas unattractive to wild birds (e.g., net ponds, remove wild bird food sources).
- Feed and water birds in enclosed spaces to deter wild birds.
- Limit movement in and out of bird enclosures.
- Always clean and disinfect footwear; keep bird housing clean and tidy.
- Disinfect concrete areas and fence off wet or boggy ground.
The AIPZ will remain in place until official notice says otherwise.
What To Do If You Spot Dead Wild Birds or Suspect Infection
- Report dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
- Report suspected bird flu cases to APHA on 03000 200 301.
- Bird keepers should review official avian flu advice.
Bird owners and the public must stay vigilant to protect the UK’s flocks from this dangerous virus.
