UK sees largest ever outbreak of avian influenza

Farmers must comply with UK-wide housing measures to help protect poultry and captive birds against avian influenza, Chief Veterinary Officers for Scotland and Wales have urged, in response to the largest ever UK outbreak. Avian influenza (H5N1 strain) has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds at 36 premises in GB, with more than 276 findings in wild birds in 80 separate locations, as of 1pm on December 8 2021. Three separate cases of AI in domestic poultry were confirmed across Wales near Chirk, Wrecham on November 1, near Gaerwen, Isle of Anglesey on November 25 and near Crickhowell, Powys on December 3. In Scotland, a flock of free-range hens from a commercial premises near Gretna, Dumfriesshire tested positive for the H5N1 strain last week, with the remaining birds to be humanely culled. A 3km Protection Zone (PZ) and a 10km Surveillance Zone (SZ) took effect on December 4 to help limit the risk of spread of the disease and controls included restrictions on the movement of poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure, as well as on bird gatherings. In response Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, has established a 'lite' format Emergency Coordination Centre for Wales (ECCW) which will ensure officials can continue to provide a coordinated and effective response to the disease threat throughout the outbreak. "As we do not know how long AI will continue to be at its current risk level, we need to ensure we can sustain the response we have delivered to date," she said. "The ECCW will allow them the ability to better manage and prioritise recourses, share responsibilities and communicate with all concerned. "As we are all aware, disease situations develop and change frequently and having the ECCW 'lite' established will allow us to ensure we can react to the changing circumstances promptly and continue to provide an appropriate and proportionate disease response." EvidenceChief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, said: "This confirmation of a case of avian influenza in mixed poultry is further evidence of the need for all keepers of birds to ensure they have the very highest levels of biosecurity in place. "New housing measures [which require all UK bird keepers to keep their birds indoors] have come into force to protect poultry and kept birds, but I must stress that this is at its most effective when combined with implementation of the most stringent biosecurity measures." Scotland's CVO, Sheila Voas, added any keepers concerned about the health or welfare of their flock should seek veterinary advice immediately. Biosecurity"We have already made clear that all bird keepers - whether major businesses or small keepers with just a few birds - must ensure that their biosecurity is up to scratch to protect their birds from disease and prevent any contact between their birds and wild birds," she said. "Your private vet, or your local Animal and Plant Health Agency office, will also be able to provide practical advice on keeping your birds safe from infection." Any suspicion of disease in England should be reported to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.In Wales contact 0300 303 8268.In Scotland contact your local Field Services Office.In Northern Ireland contact DAERA on 0300 200 7840.

Agriculture's National Classifieds

UK sees largest ever outbreak of avian influenza

Farmers must comply with UK-wide housing measures to help protect poultry and captive birds against avian influenza, Chief Veterinary Officers for Scotland and Wales have urged, in response to the largest ever UK outbreak.

Already a member? Login for full access.

More on Farm Business

Watch the Farmers Guardian's Budget Webinar: What you need to know from the Chancellor's Budget and how your farm business should react

SPS deal could be in effect from 2028 warns NFU, as agreement deadline looms

Supply chain adjudicator acts on one formal complaint as he urges more farmers to come forward

Agriculture's National Classifieds

New and Used Farm Machinery

Farm Equipment

Livestock

Farm Property for Sale

UK sees largest ever outbreak of avian influenza

Farmers must comply with UK-wide housing measures to help protect poultry and captive birds against avian influenza, Chief Veterinary Officers for Scotland and Wales have urged, in response to the largest ever UK outbreak.

Share

Already a member? Login for full access.

Previous Article

Next Article

More on Farm Business

Watch the Farmers Guardian's Budget Webinar: What you need to know from the Chancellor's Budget and how your farm business should react

SPS deal could be in effect from 2028 warns NFU, as agreement deadline looms

Supply chain adjudicator acts on one formal complaint as he urges more farmers to come forward