UPDATE: Avian Influenza in the UK

8 April 2024

Change to HPAI H5 Wild Bird Risk Level

The risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 in wild birds in Great Britain has reduced from medium (event occurs regularly) to low (event is rare but does occur).

The risk of poultry exposure to HPAI H5 in Great Britain remains assessed as:

• low (event is rare but does occur) (with medium uncertainty) where there are substantial biosecurity breaches and poor biosecurity
• low (event is rare but does occur) (with low uncertainty) where good biosecurity is applied

While the UK has now declared itself free of HPAI in poultry in line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules. Both HPAI H5N1 and H5N5 continue to be found in wild birds in Great Britain and Europe. Outbreaks of HPAI H5N1 also continue to occur in poultry and other captive birds in several countries in Europe. The virus is still circulating in wild birds in Great Britain and all bird keepers should remain vigilant for signs of disease to protect the health and welfare of their birds.

The risk is continually reviewed, and it is too early to predict the outlook for future seasons and risk levels may increase again in autumn associated with the migratory pattern of waterfowl and environmental conditions becoming more favourable for virus survival. Details of the evidence that supported these decisions in the latest APHA outbreak assessments is available on gov.uk

3 April 2024

The UK has self-declared zonal freedom from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) for Great Britain with effect from 29 March 2024. This is in line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules, and the declaration will be reviewed and published by WOAH in due course. This follows the UK’s declaration on behalf of Northern Ireland that the Province was free from HPAI on 31 March 2023.

The UK does not currently have any outbreaks of HPAI in poultry or other captive birds, and the risk to poultry from HPAI H5 in Great Britain is now low. However, HPAI H5N1 continues to be found in wild birds in Great Britain where the risk level remains at medium, and across Europe, with outbreaks occurring in poultry and other captive birds in several countries. All keepers of poultry and other kept birds, including gamebirds prior to their release, must therefore remain vigilant, and practice stringent biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of their birds. Biosecurity guidance and a biosecurity self-assessment checklist have been published by Defra to assist all bird keepers in instigating and maintaining high standards of biosecurity. The latest information on avian influenza can be found here.

8 November 2023

Following a reduction in the number of findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds, the risk of HPAI H5 in wild birds has been reduced from high (event occurs very often), to medium (event occurs regularly). The risk of HPAI H5 remains low (event is rare but does occur) in poultry.

While the risk in wild birds has reduced, the virus is still circulating, and all bird keepers should remain vigilant for signs of disease. The risk is continually reviewed, and it is possible that it may increase again as the autumn migration continues. Practising good biosecurity at all times protects the health and welfare of your birds and for commercial keepers it will help protect businesses from HPAI and other diseases. Biosecurity guidance and a biosecurity self-assessment checklist have been published by Defra to assist all bird keepers in instigating and maintaining high standards of biosecurity. 

20 October 2023

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) carries out year-round surveillance of dead wild birds submitted via public reports and warden patrols as part of its wild bird surveillance programme. APHA publish a report which is updated weekly on findings of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in wild birds in Great Britain, and further information on reports of avian influenza in Great Britain and across Europe are also available via APHA’s outbreak assessments.

As part of its avian influenza in wildlife surveillance programme in Great Britain, APHA have also launched both an Interactive Map of reported wild bird mortality and findings of avian influenza in wild birds and wild mammals, and an Interactive Data Dashboard of findings of avian influenza in wild birds. Data in the Map and Dashboard will be updated weekly, but for recent reports, collection information and testing may be shown as pending.

If you have reported a dead wild bird online or via the helpline (03459 33 55 77), you can check the status of your report by entering the location, or your Defra reference number (prefixed by WSF- or REP-) in the map’s search box.

03 October 2023

While avian influenza viruses are predominantly considered a pathogen of birds, there is emerging evidence that the virus responsible for the current highly pathogenic avian influenza is also able to infect a broader range of mammals following their close contact with infected poultry, wild birds, captive birds, or contaminated equipment, environment, or feed.  Those mammals that are known to scavenge dead or dying birds are most likely to be susceptible.  

If members of the public find a dead wild carnivore such as a fox, otter, pine marten, stoat, weasel, pole cat, or mink, where the cause of death is unknown, or the animal has shown signs of respiratory or neurological disease prior to death, they should report it immediately to APHA by calling:

• 03000 200 301 if in England.
• 03003 038 268 if in Wales.
• Your local Field Services Office if in Scotland.

The same also applies to dead marine mammals such as seal, dolphin, porpoise, or whale, again where the cause of death is unknown, or where signs of respiratory or neurological disease were shown prior to death.

More information on how the government monitors spill over of avian influenza virus from wild birds to wild mammals can be found here.

12 September 2023

Risk of Avian Influenza to Gamebirds in Release Pens

Two new highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infected premises have recently been confirmed on two consecutive days, both of which involved pheasants still within and being fed in release pens, and therefore classified as poultry. This has resulted in formal 3km and 10km restrictions being put in place which has impacted on all keepers of poultry and captive birds within those zones. It has also meant that gamebirds including pheasants, partridges and ducks cannot be released in these zones.  The infected birds will have to be culled, and cleansing and disinfection procedures statutorily applied.

In both circumstances, the biosecurity measures on the two premises were found to be minimal. Whilst there will always be potential for birds in release pens to have some wild bird contact, direct or indirect, biosecurity measures such as: ensuring food and water sources cannot be accessed by wild birds and are kept spotlessly clean; disinfecting footwear and any other items that are taken into the pen; and having dedicated overalls for each pen are strongly advised. These measures can significantly reduce the risk of disease, and they also demonstrate that the game shooting sector is taking the risk seriously, and playing its part in attempting to protect all poultry.

The risk of HPAI infection in wild birds remains high, and where there is poor biosecurity there is an increased risk of kept birds becoming infected. It is therefore essential that strict biosecurity measures are in place until such time as birds are released. Further advice and links to other sources of advice can be found on GOV.UK.

25th August 2023

Changes to Permitted Bird Gatherings in England

Bird gatherings include events where live birds and/or hatching eggs from multiple premises are bought together and remaining at the gathering location for 14 days or less in England and 13 days or less in Wales and Scotland, following the arrival of the last bird.

Bird gatherings include (but are not limited to) bird fairs, markets, shows, sales, exhibitions, and some premises used for dealing or internet sales. In addition, vehicles used to transport live birds where the birds are brought together from multiple premises (so called many-to-one or many-to-many activities) are also considered bird gatherings.

The risk of introduction and spread of HPAI H5N1 into bird fairs, shows, markets, sales and other gatherings in Great Britain has recently been reviewed and has been reassessed as now LOW for five of the six bird orders (namely Psittaciformes, Columbiformes, birds of prey, passerines, and Galliformes) but MEDIUM for Anseriformes (ducks and geese).

Further information on the evidence that supports these risk levels can be found in our qualitative risk assessment on the likelihood of spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 associated with bird fairs, shows, markets, sales and other gatherings in Great Britain available as part of the ‘Animal diseases: international and UK monitoring’ collection on gov.uk.

Bird gatherings are not permitted within a disease control zone, outside of these areas bird gatherings are only permitted if licensed. General licences permitting certain bird gatherings have been made available in England, Wales and Scotland.

 In England following a reduction in the risk levels associated with gatherings from 23 August 2023:

• Gatherings of Galliforme poultry and Galliforme birds are permitted in England provided they follow and meet all the requirements of the poultry gathering general licence and APHA are notified of the gathering at least 7 days before the event.
• Gatherings of all other types of birds except Anseriforme poultry and Anseriforme birds are permitted provided they follow and meet all the requirements of the captive bird gathering general licence or the poultry gathering general licence and APHA are notified of the gathering at least 7 days before the event.
• Gatherings of Anseriformes birds remain prohibited in England.
• Galliforme poultry and Galliforme birds from Wales and Scotland are not permitted to attend bird gatherings in England.

Further guidance for bird gatherings and a full list of what is permitted in England has been published on GOV.UK.

In Wales and Scotland, all gatherings of poultry (Galliforme and Anseriforme birds) remain prohibited. Gatherings of all other types of birds are permitted, excluding Galliforme and Anseriforme birds, provided they follow and meet all the requirements of the relevant bird gatherings general license made available by Welsh Government or Scottish Government and APHA are notified of the gathering at least 7 days before the event.

4th July 2023

The risk of avian influenza for all poultry has reduced to low (meaning the event is rare but does occur) and the Avian Influenza Prevention Zones for poultry and captive birds in England, Wales and Scotland have been lifted from midday on the 4 July 2023. Whilst the risk level in kept birds has reduced, the risk in wild birds remains high, and all bird keepers should continue to take steps to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading at all times, and be vigilant for signs of disease. All poultry gatherings, including at fairs, shows and markets, remain banned, due to a large number of flocks mixing together, and the risk posed by any infections spreading across the country. Additional mandatory restrictions apply in disease control zones in force surrounding infected premises where avian influenza has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds. You can check if you’re in a disease control zone on the bird flu zone map and follow the rules for that zone.

11th April 2023

Mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds, which were introduced across England and Wales to help stop the spread of bird flu, will be lifted from 00:01 on Tuesday 18 April 2023, the Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed today following the latest assessment of the risk level. 

Following ongoing monitoring using the latest scientific evidence and a robust risk assessment, bird flu risk levels have been reduced meaning poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed and can be kept outside, unless they are in a Protection Zone.

30th March 2023

Defra together with Welsh Government have published their updated Mitigation strategy for avian influenza in wild birds in England and Wales. The strategy, originally published in August 2022, provides guidance to conservation charities and land managers including local authorities on how to prepare and respond to suspected and confirmed findings of avian influenza in wild birds.

13th January 2023

On Monday 9^th January 2023 the National Avian Influenza Protection Zones (AIPZ's) that cover England, Scotland and Wales, were amended to include new mandatory requirements for those who catch-up gamebirds (pheasants, partridges or ducks). In England and Wales catching-up is legal until the end of the shooting season on 1 February. In Scotland, it is legal until 28 February. The catching-up of any birds is illegal after these dates.

All birds that are caught up must be quarantined in a building or top netted-holding pen that eliminates contact with wild birds. This is to be for a minimum of 21 days after the last caught-up bird was introduced, before being moved to a new premises, shoot, game farm, or location other than where they were caught up. In all cases, accurate up to date records of all catching-up activity must be kept and must be available on demand to APHA/DEFRA. In Wales there is an additional requirement for all keepers of captive birds to complete a Self-Assessment checklist, which can be found here.

Once caught up, previously wild birds are classed as poultry and will be subject to the same rules and regulations as other kept birds. Therefore, all relevant requirements under the relevant AIPZ must be complied with when dealing with caught-up birds. In England and Wales this includes mandatory housing measures in addition to the quarantine requirements.

The answers to some frequently asked questions can be found below.

Q. Why must caught-up birds be held for 21 days?

A. To reduce the likelihood of Avian Influenza being spread by caught-up gamebirds that are being moved to another location. This is in line with many other disease control and prevention policies. 21 days is deemed long enough for any presence of infection, even if only in one or two birds, to spread to other birds in the flock, and become noticeable.

Q. What happens if I wish to move birds from my premises before the 21-day period is up?

A. You will need to apply for a license from the relevant authority in your home country. However, it is unlikely that this would be granted unless there was an essential reason to permit such movement.

Q. Can I still catch up if I am in a 3km Protection Zone (PZ), a 10km Surveillance Zone (SZ), or a 3km Captive Bird Monitoring Zone (CPBZ)?

A. Yes, but you cannot move caught-up birds off your premises until the zone has been lifted, and you are no longer in a restricted area. If any part of your premises is in one of the disease control zones then the whole premises is deemed to be in that zone. You can check if you are affected by any of the disease control zones by looking at the APHA interactive map here. Click on the search icon in the top left corner and enter your postcode to see your exact location on the map.

Q. If my premises is not affected by any disease control zones (PZ, SZ or CBMZ) and I catch-up birds and observe the new quarantine requirements, can I then move the birds to a new location inside a disease control zone?

A. Such a movement will need a licence from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). The granting of a licence will be at the discretion of APHA and will depend on a range of factors, mostly centred around biosecurity and record keeping on the site of origin, and the site of destination.

Q. If Avian Influenza (AI) was found in wild birds either on our shoot or nearby, can I still catch-up?

A. There is no law preventing this, but common sense suggests that it will be very risky. DEFRA, Scottish Government and Welsh Government are all strongly advising keepers not to catch-up if they are in an area known to have, or have had, AI.

Q. What happens if caught-up birds are infected with AI?

A. Once caught up, previously wild birds are classed as poultry / captive. If they contract AI, your premises will become an Infected Premises (IP) and be treated like any other IP. All birds on site will be culled and restrictions will be placed on the premises.

Q. Do I need to complete the Poultry Register for caught up birds?

A. It is a legal requirement to complete the register if you keep 50 or more captive birds for any period of time, and this includes gamebirds. You can find more details, and register, here. You should also sign up for poultry alerts which will provide early details of any suspected or confirmed cases.

Q. What other precautions should I be taking?

A. The AIPZ's which affect the whole of the UK requires keepers of birds to observe specified standards of biosecurity. Enhanced standards apply for keepers of more than 500 birds. Once birds have ben caught-up they become captive birds, and the keeper of those birds is subject to the mandatory obligations placed on them by the AIPZ. You can find details of the AIPZ for England here, for Wales here, and for Scotland here.

13th December

Defra has launched a new online reporting system to report dead wild birds in Great Britain, as part of the response to the ongoing avian influenza outbreak. The new online system will be available to use 24/7, making it simpler and quicker for the public to report dead wild birds. It will not replace the Defra helpline, which will remain in place.

They have advised that in Great Britain members of the public should use the new online reporting system or call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) if they find one or more dead birds of prey (such as an owl, hawk or buzzard), three or more dead birds that include at least one gull, swan, goose or duck or five or more dead wild birds of any species. APHA and their contractors then collect some of these birds and test them to help us understand what risk posed to poultry and other captive birds is through understanding how the disease is distributed geographically and in different types of wild bird, not all birds will be collected.

The new system can be accessed here.

8th December

Through our contacts in government, we have been made aware that the European Commission has announced their intention to consider (among other things) changing their surveillance requirements for imported poultry eggs and birds from Disease Control Zones, from a minimum of 90 days to a minimum of 30 days for international trade with all third (non-EU) countries. If this proposal was to be approved and adopted, and if the government made a reciprocal change, this has the potential to alleviate some of the problems experienced by our sector this year due to the Avian Influenza outbreak in France, should such an outbreak occur again in the future. However, we are currently unable to say whether these changes will be approved, or how long such changes would take to be implemented. We will of course, let you know as soon as we have more information.

30th November

New mandatory biosecurity and housing measures for all poultry and captive birds in Wales are to be introduced on 2^nd December, following a decision by the interim Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales.

The introduction of biosecurity and housing measures comes after surveillance of avian influenza suggests a heightened risk of disease for Wales over the winter months.

Bringing Wales in line with current guidelines in England, from this date it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors or otherwise separated from wild birds. Keepers must also complete and act upon a bespoke biosecurity review of the premises where birds are kept. This is to minimise the risk of virus entry in bird houses, which usually results in high mortality. These new measures are in addition to those in the Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, which remain crucially important.

Bird keepers are encouraged to prepare for the introduction of the new measures, by making sure housing is suitable, with the housed environment enhanced to protect bird welfare. Keepers should consult their vet for advice where needed.

A copy of the biosecurity checklist can be found here.

31st October

Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds are to be introduced to all areas of England from 00:01 on Monday 7 November, following a decision by the United Kingdom's Chief Veterinary Officer.

The housing measures legally require all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the disease, regardless of type or size.

The order will extend the mandatory housing measures already in force in the hot spot area of Suffolk, Norfolk and parts of Essex to the whole of England following an increase in the national risk of bird flu in wild birds to very high.

The addition of housing measures to the AIPZ already in force across England means all bird keepers across England must:

• housing or netting all poultry and captive birds
• cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
• reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
• keep records of mortality, movement of poultry and poultry products and any changes in production
• thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
• keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
• minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
• prevent access by poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas

18th October

It is incumbent on the shooting community to play its part in helping to reduce the spread and impact of the current outbreak of Avian Influenza. To this end, we, alongside our partners in Aim to Sustain, have created this useful Q&A to help all in the shooting world understand how they can reduce the possibility of spreading AI through their activities. This is not an exhaustive list and will be updated as the situation evolves. It should help most people ensure their activities minimise the chances of spreading AI. It is vital that the shooting community continues to behave responsibly.

It can be accessed here.

17th October

Following an increase 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 to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds.

This means that from midday on Monday 17 October, it is 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.

Biosecurity guidance and a biosecurity self-assessment checklists have been published on each of the GB administration's website to assist all bird keepers in instigating and maintaining good biosecurity:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales

28th September

There are reports of game birds being infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) by other wild birds, particularly gulls and wildfowl, in several areas across England and Wales. It is important to stress that these cases are isolated, however it is of the utmost importance that strict biosecurity measures are adhered to by those involved in the management of game.

Game shooting has already been hugely affected by the spread of HPAI in the UK, this year facing a shortage of poults and eggs from France that has already proved devastating for some. Of concern is the longer-term impact that shooting brings to biodiversity and habitat creation, as if investment is not made into the associated land management practices, the environment will suffer.

The latest advice can be found here.

16th August

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has now been lifted in England. The latest information can be found here. Although this is very good news, it is still important that thorough bio security measures are followed as Avian Influenza is still present in the UK.

25th April

The mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds, which were introduced across the United Kingdom to help stop the spread of bird flu, will be lifted from 00:01 on Monday 2 May 2022, the Chief Veterinary Officers have confirmed today.

Poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed, unless they are in a Protection Zone, and will be allowed to be kept outside. While the risk of bird flu has been reduced to 'medium' for premises with poor biosecurity, the enhanced biosecurity requirements that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in force as infection may still be circulating in the environment for several more weeks. All poultry gatherings will remain banned.

Those who intend to allow their birds outside are advised to use the upcoming days to prepare their outside areas for the release of their birds. This will include cleansing and disinfection of hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroduction of wild bird deterrents.

The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu with over 100 cases confirmed across the country since late October. Scrupulous biosecurity is the most effective method of disease control available and all bird keepers should apply enhanced measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks.

The AIPZ will remain in force across the UK, with only the housing measures component being lifted from Monday 2nd May. This means all bird keepers (whether they have pet birds, a commercial sized, or a backyard flock) must be diligent in continuing to take effective and precautionary biosecurity measures. These include: cleansing and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles; limiting access to non-essential people on their sites; and workers changing clothing and footwear before entering and when leaving bird enclosures. Bird keepers must continue to look out for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.

Adrian Blackmore, the Alliance's Director of Shooting, said: "The lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, some of whom have had to keep their birds indoors since 21 November last year. Biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe, and it is vital that bird keepers remain vigilant for any signs of disease, and maintain stringent standards of security at all times."

It is therefore extremely important that bird keepers:

• cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – and if practical use disposable protective clothing.
• reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control.
• thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
• keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points.
• minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds.

Defra is encouraging all bird keepers to register their flocks with the Animal and Plant Health Agency. For poultry this is a legal requirement if you have 50 or more birds (poultry includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeon (bred for meat), partridge, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants). In Northern Ireland, this applies to all birds except those kept within your home. Registration forms are available here or by contacting your local DAERA Direct Regional Office. If registered, you will be contacted and informed of any action that is required should an outbreak of Avian Influenza occur near you.