New Case in England
- Highly
pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in birds at a
third premises near Barrow upon Soar, Charnwood, Leicestershire, a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone
have been put in place around the premises (in force from 21:00 on the 6
December 2021).
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.
For further information on these cases and details of the
measures that apply in the disease control zones currently in force in GB 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/
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, 34 cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in GB:
- 29 are in
England: 29 cases of HPAI H5N1
- 2 are in
Scotland: 2 cases of HPAI H5N1
- 3 are in
Wales: 3 cases of HPAI H5N1
- No cases
have been confirmed in Northern Ireland.
This is now the largest ever UK outbreak of avian influenza
with 34 confirmed cases (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.
