Defra - Avian Influenza Latest Situation - 25 November 2021

Updated Biosecurity Guidance • Updated biosecurity guidance and a biosecurity self-assessment checklist have been published. • These documents include details of biosecurity best practice and further guidance on measures that bird keepers must take in the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) currently in force, in addition to key guidance on how to prepare for when mandatory housing measures come into force across the UK on the 29 November 2021. • See our biosecurity advice on GOV.UK for further information. 

New Cases in England • Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in birds at the following premises, further testing is underway to confirm the pathogenicity of the strain in each of the cases. 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones have been put in place around each of the premises. • third premises near Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire • near Poulton le Flyde, Wyre, Lancashire • Further testing has confirmed that the avian influenza strain in birds at the premises near Barrow upon Soar, Charnwood, Leicestershire as highly pathogenic (HPAI H5N1). Following confirmation of the pathogenicity, the Temporary Control Zones have been revoked and replaced by 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone around the premises. • For further information on these cases and details of the measures that apply in the disease control zones surrounding the premises see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu-cases-and-disease-control-zones-in-england. This is particularly important given there are overlapping zones. 

New Cases in Wales • Avian Influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in birds at a premises near Gaerwen, Isle of Anglesey, Wales. • Further testing is underway to confirm the pathogenicity of the strain. 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones have been put in place around the premises. • See the Welsh Government Website for further information https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu-latest-update

To receive immediate notification of new cases and updated zones please sign up to the APHA’s Animal Disease alert subscription service further details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apha-alert-subscription-service

Outbreak Case Summary In summary, since the first case confirmed in this outbreak on the 26 October 2021, 21 cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in GB: • 18 are in England: 16 cases of HPAI H5N1 and 2 cases of H5N1 (pathogenicity pending) • 1 is in Scotland: 1 case of HPAI H5N1 • 2 are in Wales: 1 case of HPAI H5N1 and 1 cases of H5N1 (pathogenicity pending) • No cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland.

Bird keepers are reminded that an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across Great Britain effective from 5pm on 3 November 2021 and in Northern Ireland effective from 17 November 2021. Additional Housing measures are currently in force in the Harrogate, Hambleton and Richmondshire districts of North Yorkshire, and will be in force across the UK from 00:01 on Monday 29 November 2021. See GOV.UK for further information

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.