Avian Influenza incursion risk raised to high in Great Britain
The risk level of avian influenza incursion in wild birds in Great Britain has been raised to ‘high’ following two unrelated confirmed cases in England
Nov 8, England: The Chief Vets from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are urging bird keepers to maintain and strengthen their farm biosecurity measures in order to prevent further outbreaks of avian influenza in the UK.
The risk level of avian influenza incursion in wild birds in Great Britain has been raised from ‘medium to ‘high’ following two unrelated confirmed cases in England this week and increasing reports of the disease affecting flocks in mainland Europe.
All bird keepers are being urged to prevent direct or indirect contact with wild birds, with the risk of infection of poultry in Great Britain also being raised from ‘low’ to ‘medium’. Wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter period can spread the disease to poultry and other captive birds.
Also, read- Avian influenza (bird flu) identified at Kent farm
Northern Ireland’s risk of avian influenza incursion remains medium for wild birds and low for poultry but is being kept under constant review.
A statement from the UK’s four Chief Veterinary Officers said: Following two confirmed cases of avian influenza in England and further cases reported in mainland Europe, we have raised the risk level for incursion to Great Britain from migratory birds to high. We have also raised the risk level for the disease being introduced to poultry farms in Great Britain to medium.
While Northern Ireland’s risk level is currently medium for wild birds and low for poultry, the situation is being kept under constant review.
We have acted quickly to prevent the spread of disease at both sites in England and are continuing to monitor the situation closely. Bird keepers should remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately.
It is important now more than ever that bird keepers ensure they are doing all they can to maintain and strengthen good biosecurity on their premises to ensure we prevent further outbreaks.
The UK has robust biosecurity measures and monitoring in place to prevent the disease from spreading in this country and the risk of transmission of avian influenza viruses to the general public in the UK remains very low.
There are some simple measures that all bird keepers, whether they are running a large commercial farm, keeping a few hens in their back garden, or rearing game birds, should take to protect their birds against the threat of avian flu in the coming winter months.
Also, read- Avian influenza (bird flu) identified at Kent farm
These include:
Keeping the area where birds live clean and tidy, control rats and mice and regularly cleansing and disinfecting any hard surfaces
Cleaning footwear before and after visits
Placing birds’ feed and water in fully enclosed areas that are protected from wild birds, and removing any spilt feed regularly
Putting fencing around outdoor areas where birds are allowed and limit their access to ponds or areas visited by wild waterfowl
Where possible, avoid keeping ducks and geese with other poultry species.
