Avian influenza: GB Prevention Zone declared

Avian influenza: Prevention Zone declared across Great Britain

Due to a rise in the number of detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild birds and on commercial premises, the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Great Britain in an attempt to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst commercial and domestic flocks.

This means that from midday on Monday 17 October, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu. Further information on the mandatory biosecurity measures can be found in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs declaration, details of which can be found on this link:

Declaration of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (England – excluding Suffolk, Norfolk and parts of Essex) 

All keepers of poultry in Great Britain and other captive birds, including pet birds must now must comply with the minimum biosecurity measures in Schedule 1 of the above declaration.

Part of these measures is mandatory and effective cleansing and disinfection of equipment, vehicles, and footwear and ensuring all bird keepers place a foot dip containing Defra approved poultry disinfectant at the correct dilution rate at the entry and exit of all houses or outdoor areas where birds are kept, footwear must be cleaned using the dips on entry and exit or alternatively disposable over-shoes or footwear should be changed when moving between bird and non-bird areas;

All keepers of 500 or more poultry or other captive birds in any part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone must comply with the measures in Schedule 1 and in addition comply with the measures in Schedule 2.