Scottish Gamekeepers Association

Friday 26 November 2021

Defra - Avian Influenza Latest Situation - 26 November 2021

Updated Infographics Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) and Housing Measures
  • The APHA stakeholder social media products have been updated in preparation to the introduction of mandatory housing measures from 00:01 on the 29 November 2021 (housing measures are in addition to the current biosecurity requirements of the AIPZ)
  • These images and animations are available for use by your organisations and are available to download at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nfl9qhlwwumu9py/AAA6ixRGIp_0LHe2fCwfMmaha?dl=0
 
New Cases
  • Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in birds at a premises near Clitheroe, Ribble Valley, Lancashire. Further testing is underway to confirm the pathogenicity of the strain in this case. 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones have been put in place around the premises.
  • Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in birds at a fourth premises near Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire on the 26 November 2021. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone has been put in place around the premises.

Case Updates
  • Further testing has confirmed that the avian influenza strain in birds at the following premises 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 Following confirmation of the pathogenicity, the Temporary Control Zones have been revoked and replaced by 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone surrounding each of these premises.
  • Third premises near Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire
  • near Poulton le Fylde, Wyre, Lancashire
  • Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance within the zones, the following disease control zone mergers have been completed:
  • the 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone Area around a premises near Droitwich Spa, Wychavon, Worcestershire has been revoked and the areas merged with the 10km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone Area.
  • the 3km Protection Zone declared surrounding a premises near Chirk, Wrexham, Wales has been revoked and the areas merged with the 10km Surveillance Zone for the relevant areas of Wales and England.
  • the 3km Protection Zone and 10km Restricted Zone declared surrounding a premises near in the Angus constituency Scotland has been revoked and and the 3km Protection Zone area merged with the 10km Surveillance Zone.
Keepers can check where disease control zones are located and if they are in zone on the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) interactive map.
 
For further information on these cases and details of the measures that apply in the disease control zones surrounding the premises see:
England: 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.
 
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, 23 cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in GB:
  • 20 are in England: 19 cases of HPAI H5N1 and 1 cases of H5N1 (pathogenicity pending)
  • 1 is in Scotland: 1 case of HPAI H5N1
  • 2 are in Wales: 2 cases of HPAI H5N1
  • 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.
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