Wednesday 1 December 2021

Defra - Avian Influenza Latest Situation - 30 November 2021

 

New Case in England

  • Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry at a second premises near Barrow upon Soar, Charnwood, Leicestershire on the 30 November 2021. All birds on the infected premises will be humanely culled. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises (in force from 20:30 on the 30 November 2021).

 

Case Update

  • Further testing has confirmed the avian influenza at a premises near Clitheroe, Ribble Valley, Lancashire as a highly pathogenic strain (HPAI H5N1). Following a risk assessment a 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone has been put in place surrounding the premises (in force from 20:00 on the 30 November 2021).

 

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 currently in force 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.

Wales: https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu-latest-update

Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu/

 

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, 25 cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in GB:

  • 22 are in England: 22 cases of HPAI H5N1
  • 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) including housing measures is in force across the UK. 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.