Avian influenza prevention zone declared

Published on : 13 Dec 2024

Following a number of detections of avian influenza in poultry and wild and captive birds across the East Riding of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the region to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of disease occurring.

Bird keepers in the East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk must follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect flocks and mitigate the risk of further outbreaks.

This means that from today (December 13) it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers within the zone to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks, of whatever type or size. A map of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone is available on gov.uk.

The UK Health Security Agency continue to advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency advice remains unchanged, that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

The AIPZ now in force across the East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk does not include a requirement to house birds, unless you are also in a 3km Protection Zone. However, this is being kept under constant review. Disease control measures are based on the latest scientific evidence and veterinary advice.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:

“Following a number of detections of avian influenza we have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone across the East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. This means that all bird keepers in these areas must take action now to both prevent disease getting in to flocks and it spreading any further.

“Bird keepers must exercise robust biosecurity and remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”

The introduction of an AIPZ follows the recent increase in cases of bird flu in poultry and other captive birds in the area and increased reports of mass mortality in wild birds.
The AIPZ now in force across the East Riding of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk does not include a requirement to house birds. However, this is being kept under constant review. Further disease control measures will be based on the latest scientific evidence and veterinary advice.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) means bird keepers in the zone must:

• 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 on a continuous basis

• keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points

• minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds

• prevent access by poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas

Take action to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading. Be vigilant for signs of disease and report it to keep your birds safe.

See the interactive map for details and check the declarations for details of the restrictions.

Check if you’re in a bird flu disease zone on the map and check Defra-approved disinfectant: when and how to use it - GOV.UK