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Fresh warning to bird keepers over avian flu
The UK is currently facing its largest-ever bird flu outbreak.

Restrictions to remain in place as chief vet reiterates call for biosecurity. 

The UK's chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss has reiterated her call to all poultry keepers not to be complacent about avian flu and to continue to follow the urgent biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.

The UK is currently facing its largest-ever bird flu outbreak, with some 100 cases confirmed across the country since November 2021. To prevent the further spread of this disease, the Government introduced new housing regulations that make it a legal requirement to keep birds indoors and for them to follow strict biosecurity measures.

In a statement, updated to reflect the latest situation, Ms Middlemiss reminds poultry keepers that while the source of infection comes from migratory wild birds, ‘those failing to implement these measures risk infecting their own flocks by walking the virus into their holdings.’

The statement adds that keepers should continue to follow the strict biosecurity measures that are in place to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.

“We have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease, including introducing housing measures. However we are still seeing a number of bird flu cases both on commercial farms and in backyard birds right across the country,” Ms Middlemiss said.

“Many poultry keepers have excellent biosecurity standards but the number of cases we are seeing suggests that not enough is being done to keep bird flu out. Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands you must take action now to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.

She added: “The avian flu outbreak has not gone away and implementing scrupulous biosecurity remains absolutely critical. You must continue to regularly clean and disinfect your footwear and clothes before entering enclosures, stop your birds mixing with any wild birds and only allow visitors that are strictly necessary.

"It is your actions that will help keep your birds safe.”

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.