Update 24 November 2021:
The Chief Veterinary Officers For England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have agreed to bring in new measures to help protect poultry and captive birds. The new housing measures will come into force across the UK from 00:01 on Monday 29th November 2021 to protect poultry and captive brids from avian influenza followign a number of confirmed cases across Great Britain in recent weeks.
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across Great Britain effective from 5pm on 3 November 2021 - see the AIPZ section for further information.
For further updates on this and other announcements relating to avian influenza, visit: Avian influenza (bird flu) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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To reduce the risk of the transmission of avian influenza to poultry and other captive birds from wild birds or any other source, the Secretary of State considers it necessary to declare the whole of England as set-out in Schedule 3 to be an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone.
All keepers of poultry and other captive birds, including pet birds in the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone must comply with the minimum biosecurity measures in Schedule 1.
All keepers of 500 or more poultry or other captive birds in any part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone must also comply with the measures in Schedule 2.
These measures apply from 17hr on 03 November 2021 and shall remain in force until the declaration is otherwise amended or revoked by further declaration.
For further information on this declaration and the biosecurity controls required please refer to the following DEFRA link: Avian influenza (bird flu) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Biosecurity Advice
High standards of biosecurity should be maintained as good practice for the health of your birds. Good biosecurity is an essential defence against diseases such as avian influenza and is key to limiting the spread of avian influenza in an outbreak.
Read the biosecurity guidance which includes details of biosecurity which includes details of biosecurity best practice and further guidance on measures that bird keepers must take in an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone.
For more information on biosecurity please see the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#biosecurity
Report signs of disease
You must keep a close watch on your birds for any signs of disease and must seek prompt advice from your vet if you have any concerns. If you suspect any type of avian influenza you must report it immediately by calling Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. Failure to do so is an offence.
Small flock keepers and pet bird owners
Simple advice for people keeping just a few birds is available in this poster. If you keep poultry, print this and keep it handy, or put a copy on your noticeboard:
Commercial keepers
If you are a commercial keeper, you should read DEFRA’s detailed information about the biosecurity precautions they recommend you take: