Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ)
- Following a
number of detections of avian influenza in wild birds across Great
Britain, the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales
have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the whole
of Great Britain to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst
poultry and captive birds.
- This means
that from 5pm on Wednesday 3 November 2021 it will be a legal requirement
for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity
measures to help protect their birds.
- The AIPZ now
in force across GB, does not include a requirement to house birds.
However, this is being kept under constant review. With the increased risk
of Avian Influenza during the winter, the need to include a mandatory
housing requirement in the AIPZ may arise. Further disease control
measures will be based on the latest scientific evidence and veterinary
advice.
- Biosecurity
guidance and information on the latest avian influenza situation and the
AIPZ are available at:
- England: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
- Scotland: www.gov.scot/avianinfluenza
- Wales: https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu
Risk Levels
- The risk of
incursion of highly pathogenic (HPAI) avian influenza H5 in wild birds has
increased from medium (event occurs regularly) to high (event
occurs often) for wild birds.
- The risk of
poultry and captive bird exposure to HPAI H5 across Great Britain has
increased from low (with medium uncertainty) to medium (with medium
uncertainty) where biosecurity on premises is below the required standard.
Where stringent biosecurity measures are in place, the risk has increased
from low (with low uncertainty) to low (with medium uncertainty).
- Further
details on the evidence which supported these decisions can be found in
Defra and the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) risk assessments available on GOV.UK
New Case – Avian Influenza H5N1 in the Angus constituency,
Scotland
- The Chief
Veterinary Officer for Scotland has confirmed a case of H5N1 Avian
Influenza in birds at a premises in the Angus constituency, Scotland.
Further testing is underway to confirm the pathogenicity of the strain.
- 3km and 10km
Temporary Control Zones have been put in place surrounding the premises.
- Keepers can
check where disease control zones are located and if they are in a zone on
the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) interactive map.
- For further
information on this case and details of the measures that apply in the
disease control zones see the Scottish Government website.
Keepers must keep a close watch on their birds for any signs
of disease, and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns.
Clinical signs indicative of avian influenza must be reported in England to
Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303
8268. In Scotland, contact to the local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an
offence.