AIPZ with mandatory housing measures:
Due to the escalating number and expanding area of cases of avian influenza in kept and wild birds, the AIPZ with mandatory housing measures to protect poultry & captive birds has been extended to the whole of England from 00:01 on Thursday 06 November.
This applies to:
- all keepers of over 50 birds
- all keepers who sell or give away eggs or poultry products (even if they keep fewer than 50 birds)
All keepers must continue to follow stringent biosecurity measures. The AIPZ requiring mandatory biosecurity measures remains in place: www.gov.uk/government/news/national-housing-order-declared-to-protect-poultry-from-avian-influenza.
Enhanced biosecurity measures:
The GB wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) also requires all keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock to undertake enhanced biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease.
These enhanced biosecurity measures include:
- reporting of changes in egg production,
- mandatory record keeping,
- disinfecting footwear, and cleansing & disinfecting housing and concrete walkways on a continuous basis
Please refer to the following links to check the steps to take to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading and remain vigilant for signs of disease and report it to keep your birds safe.
All bird keepers in England whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock must:
- keep feed and bedding inside
- cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds– if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products
- carry out effective vermin control in any areas where poultry and captive birds are kept
- thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing and concrete walkways on a continuous basis
- keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
- make your premises unattractive to wild birds (e.g. use bird scarers, foils or streamers)
Further information on the latest situation and guidance to help bird keepers comply with the new rules is available via gov.uk/birdflu, You can check if you’re in a bird flu disease zone on the map and check the declarations for details of the restrictions and gov.uk/birdflu for further advice and information.
