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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th November 2020
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Highly pathogenic avian flu found in wild geese
HPAI H5N8 has been confirmed in wild geese.

Farmers urged to strengthen their biosecurity measures.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in wild birds in Gloucestershire.

According to the APHA, a strain of H5N8 avian influenza was identified in three wild geese – one Canada goose and two Greylag geese - near Stroud, on Tuesday (10 November). 

An investigation is now underway to see if the discovery is related to the H5N8 case in broiler breeder chickens near Frodsham, Cheshire.

The APHA said that the case in Stroud is unrelated to the case of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2 in Kent.

On Friday (6 November) the UK's chief veterinary officers (CVOs) raised the risk level of avian influenza in wild birds from 'medium' to 'high'. 

A joint statement for the UK's CVOs read: “We have acted quickly to prevent the spread of disease at both sites in England and are continuing to monitor the situation closely. Bird keepers should remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately.

“It is important now more than ever that bird keepers ensure they are doing all they can to maintain and strengthen good biosecurity on their premises to ensure we prevent further outbreaks.” 

More information including how to report dead wild birds and biosecurity advice is available on GOV.​UK

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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.