England is in an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures and bird gatherings remain banned.
These measures will be in place until further notice. They will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza.
Additional measures apply in disease control zones surrounding infected premises where HPAI has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds.
These measures apply to all bird keepers whether you have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in your garden and are essential to protect your birds from avian influenza.
Due to the recent increase in avian influenza cases in game birds and increasing risk of avian influenza, particularly in coastal counties, the AIPZ with mandatory biosecurity measures has been updated to include additional biosecurity measures for game bird rearers and shoot operators.
These include:
- a requirement to cleanse and disinfect vehicles and footwear
- a requirement to collect and report dead birds found in the vicinity of release pens
- measures to prevent access to feeders and drinkers by wild birds.
These measures came into force from 26 August.
Confirmed cases within Devon and Somerset
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was confirmed in poultry at a premises near Exminster, Teignbridge, Devon. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was confirmed at a premises near Evercreech, Frome and East Somerset, Somerset. A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been declared surrounding the premises.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed near Seaton, East Devon and near Lifton, West Devon. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been put in place surrounding each of the premises involved.
Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza virus has also been identified in wild bird carcasses from the Honiton / West Devon area and submitted to Animal Plant Health Agency as part of the regular surveillance scheme. All captive bird keepers in the area should remain vigilant for the signs of Avian Influenza in their flocks and follow enhanced bio security.
Further information about these cases is available at GOV.UK – Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England. Check the avian influenza interactive map to see where restrictions are in place.
Avian Influenza Prevention Zone
For information on the latest situation regarding avian influenza in England including the ban on bird gatherings, see GOV.UK – Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England.
Avian influenza prevention zone: biosecurity measures
Stringent biosecurity measures will remain in place nationwide including measures such as cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds and, if practical, using disposable protective clothing.
Keepers should remain vigilant and practice stringent biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of their birds. Find out how to protect your birds in the government’s biosecurity guidance.
Registration requirements for bird keepers in Great Britain
If you have up to 49 poultry or other kept birds, you must register them. This includes any birds you keep as pets. Find out more and register at GOV.UK – Register as a keeper of less than 50 poultry or other captive birds.
If you keep 50 or more poultry and other captive birds, you must register them. Visit GOV.UK – Poultry and other captive birds: registration rules and forms.
Spotting and reporting avian influenza
All bird keepers should continue good biosecurity practice and be vigilant for signs of disease to keep their birds safe from avian influenza.
To learn how to spot and report avian influenza, visit GOV.UK – Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot it and report it.
Find out more about the different clinical signs of avian influenza in this video with the Surrey Poultry Vet.
Avian influenza is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
Keep up to date on the latest situation at GOV.UK – Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England.
The risk to public health from the virus is very low and properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat. Please do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find, but report them to Defra on 03459 33 55 77.