Chief vet ends Avian Influenza Protection Zone
Bird keepers are being encouraged to continue to consider the biosecurity of their flocks.
The UK’s chief veterinary officer has ended the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) for poultry and captive birds in Great Britain, lifting the legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures.
The move, which came into effect from midday on 4 July, was made after the risk that avian influenza poses to all poultry was downgraded to ‘low’.
However, bird keepers are still urged to think about the biosecurity of their birds and take appropriate measures to limit the spread of the virus.
Localised outbreaks of avian influenza on poultry farms are still being reported, most recently near Bootle in Cumbria and at premises in West Sussex. The virus is also continuing to have a major impact on some species of wild birds.
All poultry gatherings remain banned, including at events such as fairs, shows, and markets, owing to the risk that flocks mixing together could lead to infections spreading across the country.
If bird keepers have any concerns about the health of their birds, they are advised to consult their veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.
The rules were last changed on 17 April, when mandatory housing measures were lifted and kept birds were allowed outside.
Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “Now we are in the summer months and the risk to poultry across Great Britain has reduced, it is the right time to lift the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone.
“This would not have been possible without the hard work of all bird keepers, who have upheld high biosecurity standards for many months. However, there are still localised areas of risk as we have seen recently, and therefore it’s vital that everyone keeps biosecurity and cleanliness at the forefront of their minds to keep their flocks safe.”
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
