Bird flu prevention zone declared in Wales, England and Scotland.

A poultry farm on Anglesey is the latest to identify the H5N1 virus

The measures which aim to prevent the spread of the virus came into force midday Monday
Author: Emily Beament, PA; Lauren JonesPublished 17th Oct 2022

An avian flu "prevention zone" has been declared across Great Britain in the face of rising case numbers as the country battles the largest ever outbreak of the disease.

From midday on Monday, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Britain to follow strict measures to protect flocks from bird flu, including keeping free range birds in fenced areas and stringent biosecurity for staff on farms.

The move by the chief veterinary officers of Wales, England and Scotland comes following an increase in the number of cases of avian flu being detected in wild birds and commercial premises in recent weeks.

The latest to identify the H5N1 virus was a poultry farm on Anglesey, north Wales.

A three kilometre protection zone is in place there.

The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of the disease in the past year, with 190 cases confirmed across the country since late October 2021 - 30 of which were confirmed since the beginning of this month.

Under the prevention zone rules, producers with more than 500 birds must restrict access for non-essential people on their sites, staff must change clothing and footwear before entering enclosures and vehicles will need regular cleaning and disinfecting.

Backyard owners of smaller numbers of chickens, ducks and geese must also take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their flocks, they are being warned.

In a joint statement, the chief veterinary officers for England, Scotland and Wales said: "Bird keepers have faced the largest ever outbreak of avian flu this year and with winter brings an even more increased risk to flocks as migratory birds return to the United Kingdom.

"Scrupulous biosecurity and hygiene measures is the best form of defence, which is why we have declared an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) across Great Britain, meaning that all bird keepers must take action to help prevent the disease spreading to more poultry and other domestic birds.

"The introduction of an AIPZ means regardless of whether you keep a few birds or thousands, you are legally required to meet enhanced biosecurity requirements to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease."

The prevention zone in force across Great Britain does not include a nationwide requirement to keep birds inside, but officials said that was being kept under constant review.

They also said the risk to public health from the virus was very low and properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat.

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