New Cases in England
- Highly
pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed on 22 December in
non-commercial birds at a second premises near Helsby, Cheshire West and
Chester, Cheshire. All birds on the infected premises will be
humanely culled. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone
has been put in place around the premises (zones in force from 21:30 on
the 22 December 2021).
- Highly
pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed on 22 December in
captive birds (non-poultry) at a premises near Buckfastleigh, Teignbridge, Devon.
All affected birds on the infected premises will be humanely culled. A 3km
Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone has been put in place around
the premises (zone in force from 21:30 on the 22 December 2021).
Case Updates England
- Following
successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance
within the zones surrounding the following premises the 3km Protection
Zone has ended and the 10km Surveillance Zone surrounding these premises
have been revoked. Local movement restrictions have now been removed but
the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) measures
remain in place.
- near Pokesdown,
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
(effective from 17:30 on the 20 December 2021).
- near North Fambridge,
Maldon, Essex (effective from 17:30 on the
22 December 2021).
New Case Northern Ireland
- HPAI H5N1
has been confirmed in a commercial premises in Ballinderry, County
Londonderry. See the DAERA website for further information
Keepers can check where disease control zones are located in GB and if they are in zone on the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) interactive map, and in Northern Ireland on DAERA’s 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 multiple overlapping zones.
Wales: https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu-latest-update
Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu/
Northern Ireland: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/avian-influenza-ai
To receive immediate notification of new cases and updated zones in GB 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, 68 cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in the
UK:
- England: 55
cases of HPAI H5N1
- Scotland: 5
cases of HPAI H5N1
- Wales: 3
cases of HPAI H5N1
- Northern
Ireland: 5 cases of HPAI H5N1
This is now the largest ever UK outbreak of avian influenza (prior to this the largest number of cases was 26 cases in 2020/2021 and 13 cases in 2016/2017).
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.