Action urged amid return of avian influenza
“All bird keepers must ensure ongoing robust biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of their birds" - Christine Middlemiss, CVO.
Bird keepers are being reminded to review and strengthen their biosecurity measures following a new case of avian influenza in the UK.
The warning from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) comes after a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was confirmed in Scotland.
To help protect flocks, eligible poultry keepers in England can now access a £430 funded, vet-led Poultry Biosecurity Review. The review includes a vet visit, a written report and tailored recommendations to help strengthen biosecurity and reduce the risk of avian flu and other diseases.
Keepers can choose their own vet, ensuring advice is tailored to how their individual farm operates.
The initiative forms part of the government’s Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, providing practical, funded support to help farmers reduce disease risks before they affect their animals.
The UK’s chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, said: “All bird keepers must ensure ongoing robust biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of their birds. Good biosecurity is our best defence against the disease entering kept bird populations.
“I urge all bird keepers to remain vigilant, monitor their birds closely and report any suspicions of disease to APHA.”
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
