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Avian Influenza Prevention Zone in place across England
Defra also announced new  housing orders in England.
All bird keepers must conduct enhanced biosecurity.

A new Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been ordered by the UK’s chief veterinary officer to cover the whole of England.

The zone came into force on Saturday, 25 January amidst increasing concerns about avian influenza risk levels in wild birds.

Under the Defra rules, bird keepers must now practice enhanced biosecurity measures to prevent further outbreaks. The chief veterinary officer also urges bird keepers to remain alert for signs of the disease and report any suspicions to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

The AIPZ applies to all bird keepers, including those keeping pet birds, commercial flocks and birds in a backyard flock.

Defra has also announced new changes to housing orders across England from Monday, 27 January.

The housing order in the north of England has been extended to cover York and north Yorkshire. A new housing order has also been announced for Shropshire after cases were discovered in the county.

Other places with housing orders include East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

These areas must follow the strictest levels of biosecurity. The mandatory housing also applies to any 3km Protection Zone which surrounds an infected premises.

Bird keepers should consult the interactive map to see how they are affected, and then consult either the guidance for regional areas with or without housing measures for further details.

Further details about the ongoing situation and specific guidance for bird keepers can also be found on the government website. This includes measures such as cleansing and disinfecting clothing, vehicles and footwear if someone suspects they have been in contact with avian influenza.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “Given the continued increase in the number of bird flu cases across England, we are taking further action to try and prevent the further spread of disease.
 
“I urge bird keepers to check which requirements apply to them, to continue to exercise robust biosecurity measures, remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.