UK Declares National Avian Flu Prevention Zone Amid Rising Cases
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, has launched a nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across England, Wales, and Scotland. This is a direct response to the growing threat of the H5N8 avian flu spreading among poultry and wild birds.
Strict Biosecurity Laws Hit Bird Keepers
From now on, all bird owners must follow tough new legal biosecurity measures. Those with more than 500 birds face the toughest rules:
- Ban on non-essential visitors to their sites
- Mandatory clothing and footwear changes before entering bird areas
- Regular cleaning and disinfecting of site vehicles
Backyard poultry owners – including keepers of chickens, ducks, and geese – must also ramp up biosecurity to prevent the deadly flu from taking hold.
Public Health Reassured Despite Bird Flu Surge
Public Health England says the risk to humans remains very low, and the Food Standards Agency confirms poultry and eggs are safe when properly cooked. But the virus is spreading fast among birds. Recently, three separate H5N8 cases hit England – including a broiler breeder farm in Herefordshire and wild birds in Dorset.
Thousands of birds have already been culled in desperate attempts to stop the outbreak.
Chief Vet Officer Issues Warning and Advice
“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,” said Christine Middlemiss. “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.”
Bird Keepers’ To-Do List
- Make bird areas unattractive to wild birds by netting ponds and removing wild bird food sources
- Feed and water birds in enclosed spaces to discourage wild bird contact
- Limit movement in and out of bird enclosures
- Disinfect footwear regularly and keep bird areas clean and tidy
- Clean concrete surfaces and fence off wet or boggy spots to reduce contamination
The AIPZ will stay in force until further notice.
Spot Dead Birds? Report It!
Poultry keepers and the public should report dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77. Suspected bird flu cases must be reported to APHA at 03000 200 301.
Bird keepers are urged to familiarise themselves with updated avian flu advice to keep their flocks safe.
