A Producers Guide to Avian Influenza
The latest situation on Avian Influenza
The AI situation in the UK is changing all the time. The UK has been experiencing AI outbreaks throughout the last few weeks, and the following links will help answer any questions you might have.
CLICK HERE FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION
Guidance on biosecurity measures for poultry and kept birds maybe found in Animal Health Act biosecurity guidance via https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
Anyone who keeps poultry or other captive birds must keep a close watch on them for any signs of disease, and must seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns. For details of how to report suspicion of disease see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu.
Details of the latest outbreaks can also be seen at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#latest-update


Ramp up your bio-security
Minimum biosecurity measures applying to all keepers
Any keeper of poultry (including game birds and pet birds) or other captive birds irrespective of how they are kept must take appropriate and practicable steps, that can be demonstrated to an inspector on request, to ensure that everything possible is being done to prevent avian influenza infecting your farm. Click on the following link to see the list of preventative measures required by law under the prevention zone regulations.
Within a HPAI 10km Protection Zone you must:
Not move poultry, other captive birds or mammals (including pigs and cattle) to or from premises where poultry or other captive birds are kept (exceptions apply for pet animals) unless under licence.
Not move poultry meat, carcasses, litter, eggs, other livestock or animals within or outside of the zone unless under licence. Table eggs may be sent direct to wholesale or retail premises without a licence.
Pack any eggs going to a designated packing centre in disposable packaging.
Record any individuals visiting the premises where poultry or other captive birds are kept. Exceptions include zoos or wildlife parks (providing the public has no access to areas where birds are kept) and on public rights of way.
Keep a record of all poultry or poultry eggs entering or leaving premises within the zone, except where eggs are being moved direct to retail premises or onwards from such premises.
Ensure appropriate biosecurity measures are in place for people and vehicles entering or leaving premises where poultry, other captive birds or eggs are kept – disinfectants must be from the approved list.
Ensure anyone who moves any poultry, other captive bird, meat, feed, manure, slurry, litter or any other thing which may be contaminated cleanses and disinfects the vehicle and any equipment used to transport that thing as soon as it is unloaded.
Not remove or spread poultry litter, manure or slurry unless under licence.
Not permit any poultry or captive birds to be exhibited at any fair, market, show, or gathering.
Not release game birds.
Anyone involved in the transport or marketing of poultry or poultry eggs must also make a record of those that are transported or marketed.


Within a HPAI 3km Protection Zone you must:
Keep poultry and other captive birds housed inside their buildings. If this is impractical or significantly detrimental to welfare, then a veterinary inspector may direct you to isolate birds without housing them.
Ensure that all carcasses that are not seized or disposed of by a veterinary inspector are disposed of in accordance with their instructions.
Adhere to strict biosecurity on and off the farm and follow any additional measures as directed by a veterinary inspector.
Also, follow the controls listed for the 10km surveillance zone above.
Licensing
If your premises are in a Protection Zone, Surveillance Zone or Restricted Zone, a movement license will be required for certain activities. Movement licenses can be obtained from the APHA by calling 03000 200 301 or by emailing outbreak.licensing@apha.gov.uk.
General licenses allow a movement or activity that would otherwise be prohibited in England and Wales. You need to check that you meet and comply with the conditions of the general license. If you do so, you do not need to apply – you can rely on the general license as providing authority for the movement or activity.


Why we house: lessons learned from the H5N8 outbreak of 2016/17
Four years on from the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the winter of 2016/17, free range producers face the HPAI H5N8 virus’s risk or face movement restrictions and licensing in a 10km restricted zone.