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Poultry allowed outside as avian flu restrictions lift
Measures remain in place to prevent wild birds from infecting kept birds.
Bird keepers urged to maintain high biosecurity standards.

Mandatory housing for all poultry and kept birds has ended today (Tuesday, 18 April) in England and Wales, but bird keepers are being urged to maintain rigorous biosecurity standards to prevent avian influenza from spreading.

Keepers will still be legally required to follow hygiene and disease prevention rules. The guidance includes:
  • cleaning and disinfecting footwear by using foot dips before entering enclosures
  • netting standing water and ponds
  • maintaining bird houses and sheds to prevent wild birds and contaminated water from entering
  • minimising the movement of people in and out of bird enclosures.
The easing of restrictions follows a reduction in avian flu risk levels. Poultry and kept birds will be allowed outside again, although housing will still be mandatory in Protection Zones around locations where a case has been confirmed.

Mandatory housing remains in place in Northern Ireland. The measure was never introduced in Scotland.

There have been 150 cases in England and six cases in Wales since October 2022, with new cases confirmed this month in Powys and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Chief veterinary officer for Wales, Richard Irvine said: “Rigorous and scrupulous hygiene and biosecurity measures offer the best protection for kept birds against avian influenza. Whether keepers have a few birds or a thousand, it is vital the very highest standards of biosecurity are maintained.

“Vigilance is also key, and it’s important any signs or suspicion of avian influenza is reported immediately.”

Findings of dead wild birds should be reported to Defra on 03459 33 55 77 and keepers should report suspicion of disease in their birds to APHA on 0300 303 8268.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.