The Animal and Plant Health Agency have recently confirmed the following cases of avian flu:

  • Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at a premises near Paignton, Torbay, Devon. Following a risk assessment, a 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone has been put in place.
  • Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at a premises near Constantine, Camborne & Redruth, Cornwall.
  • Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at a premises near Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, Yorkshire.
  • Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was suspected in commercial poultry on 26 August at a third premises near Cullompton, Mid Devon, Devon. Following official testing, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed on 26 August 2022. The Temporary Control Zone has been revoked and replaced by a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.
  • Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed on 21 July 2022 in commercial poultry at a premises near Dartington, South Hams, Devon. All poultry on the premises have been humanely culled. Following successful completion of disease control activity and surveillance in the Zone, the Protection Zone has ended and the area that formed that Protection Zone has become part of the 10km Surveillance Zone.

Details of the measures in these Zones can be found in the cases and disease control zones in England guidance.

Bird keepers should remain vigilant and still follow enhanced biosecurity measures to prevent future outbreaks. More information on Zone restrictions and the action that must be taken is available on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/bird-flu

Whilst the risk level in kept birds has reduced, all bird keepers should still follow enhanced biosecurity measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks.

Further information

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) for poultry and captive birds, introduced to help stop the spread of avian influenza (bird flu) has been lifted.

The enhanced biosecurity measures were brought in across Great Britain in November when there was a medium risk (meaning, event occurs regularly) for some poultry premises. The measures have been vital in protecting flocks across the country from the virus which is circulating in wild birds.

The risk of avian influenza has now reduced to low (meaning, event is rare but does occur) for all poultry. As a result, the mandatory requirements were lifted from midday on Tuesday 16 August.

Whilst the risk level in kept birds has reduced, all bird keepers should still follow enhanced biosecurity measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks.

All poultry gatherings, including at fairs, shows and markets, remain banned, due to a large number of flocks mixing together and the risk posed by any infections spreading across the country.

Additional mandatory restrictions apply in disease control zones in force surrounding infected premises where avian influenza has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds.

For details of the cases and the measures that apply in the disease control zones in England, see the avian influenza: cases and disease control zones in England guidance. You can also find out about licences for movements from disease control zones in force.

‘Stop the spread’ webinars

While the risk of avian influenza has reduced, cases of bird flu continue to be confirmed in both poultry and other captive birds. All bird keepers should continue to implement strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease from poultry and other captive birds.

Whether you have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock, you can find out what you can do to keep your birds free of avian influenza by watching one of the Government’s avian influenza ‘stop the spread’ webinars.

More information is available on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/bird-flu

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