World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) Disease Freedom
- Following
confirmation of H5N1 HPAI in a small poultry unit at a premises near
Alcester, Bidford, Warwickshire, the UK is no longer free from avian
influenza under the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) rules.
- There are
therefore some restrictions on exports of affected commodities to third
countries.
- Trade in
poultry and poultry related products with third countries that do not
require whole UK avian influenza country freedom may continue on the basis
of the conditions included in the export health certificates, unless
otherwise notified by the importing country.
- Agreed
Export Health Certificates between the UK and importing countries are
considered and issued on a case-by-case basis and can be certified by an
Official Veterinarian only if the consignment meets the requirements set
out in the export health certificates in full.
- A collection
of guidance and forms for importing and exporting live animals or animal
products is available on GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/guidance-on-importing-and-exporting-live-animals-or-animal-products
Update – Avian Influenza H5N1 in near Alcester, Bidford,
Warwickshire
- Further
testing has confirmed the case of Avian influenza H5N1 at a premises near
Alcester, Bidford, Warwickshire to be a highly pathogenic strain (HPAI
H5N1).
- Following
confirmation of the pathogenicity of the strain the 3km and 10km Temporary
Control Zone surrounding the premises were revoked and replaced by a 3km
Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone.
- Keepers can
check where disease control zones are located and if they are in zone on
our interactive map.
- For further
information on this case and details of the measures that apply in the
disease control zones see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu-cases-and-disease-control-zones-in-england
Bird keepers are reminded that an Avian Influenza Prevention
Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across Great Britain effective from 5pm on 3
November 2021.
High standards of biosecurity must be maintained as good
practice for the health of your birds, and that good biosecurity is an
essential defence against diseases such as avian influenza and is key to
limiting the spread of avian influenza in an outbreak.
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.
Biosecurity guidance and information on the latest avian
influenza situation are available at:
