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APHA announces poultry gathering ban
New cases have been reported in East Riding of Yorkshire, Merseyside and Cornwall.
The ban affects England, Scotland and Wales from Monday 10 February.

The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) has introduced a ban on the gathering of poultry, as cases of avian influenza increase among kept birds.

From midday on Monday, 10 February, the gathering of poultry will be banned in England, Scotland and Wales. This includes ducks, geese, swans, pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl.

The ban comes as APHA continues to receive reports of avian influenza across the countries.

In the past week, a number of new cases have been reported from East Riding of Yorkshire, Merseyside and Cornwall. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone has been put in place around each premises.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was introduced across Great Britain on 25 January. Regional AIPZs with mandatory biosecurity measures are also in force in North Yorkshire, York, Shropshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, The City of Kingston upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

The ban on the gathering of poultry currently only affects England, Scotland and Wales.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has received preliminary positive results for a nature reserve outside Magherafelt in Northern Ireland. A 3km Captive Bird Temporary Control Zone has been put in place.

The nature reserve has since been closed to the public. The chief veterinary officer has placed a number of restrictions on the site including the humane culling of remaining captive birds.

Andrew Muir, DAERA minister, said: “The preliminary positive results of HPAI in captive birds is very disheartening.

“No captive bird site or poultry premises is immune from a potential incursion of this terrible disease, and it is of paramount importance that all bird keepers take appropriate action now to review and enhance their biosecurity measures to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease.”

A full selection of disease control zones can be viewed on the avian influenza interactive map. Biosecurity guidance can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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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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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.