27 Jun Bird Flu outbreaks
17th November 2024 – update
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, St. Ives, Cornwall. All poultry on the infected premises will be humanely culled. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place surrounding the premises.
Further to the recent detections of HPAI H5N5 in both wild and kept birds in England, this is the first confirmation of HPAI H5N1 in kept birds this season and follows recent detections of HPAI H5N1 in wild birds both in the South West of England and in continental Europe.
Check if you’re in a bird flu disease zone on the map
More information can be found HERE
Precautions for Bird Owners in the UK
- Hygiene Practices:
- Hand Washing: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling birds or their equipment.
- Protective Clothing: Consider using disposable protective clothing when handling birds or cleaning their environments.
- Biosecurity Measures:
- Clean and Disinfect: Ensure clothing, footwear, equipment, and vehicles are cleaned and disinfected before and after contact with wild birds.
- Disinfect Housing: Regularly clean and disinfect (with bird safe products) bird housing areas.
- Prevent Wild Bird Contact:
- Feed and Water Protection: Ensure that wild birds cannot access feed and water intended for your birds.
- Physical Barriers: Use netting or other barriers to prevent wild birds from accessing your bird enclosures.
- Monitoring and Reporting:
- Symptom Monitoring: Keep a close watch on your birds for signs of illness.
- Dead Wild Birds: Report findings of dead wild birds, to the Defra helpline. Do not touch or pick up dead or visibly sick birds.
Following these guidelines helps reduce the risk of avian influenza spreading to your birds and supports efforts to manage the disease effectively across the UK.
22nd June 2024 – update
As of June 2024, the risk level of Avian Influenza A(H5N1), also known as bird flu, to human and captive birds has been assessed as low by Defra. However, there is a constant need for vigilance due to high transmission levels in wild birds, which can occasionally spread to poultry and captive birds. Please keep an eye on the Government website and because Defra take time to confirm and update their lists, also keep an eye on your local fb groups for information and updates.
13th September 2023 – update
Bird Flu is continuing to have outbreaks across the country througout the year. Please keep an eye on the Government website and because Defra take time to confirm and update their lists, also keep an eye on your local fb groups for information and updates.
22nd June 2022
Despite Bird Flu restrictions being lifted nationally on 2nd May, there have been continued outbreaks across the country which Defra is monitoring. The South Coast in particular has had significant outbreaks, with dead gulls and waterfowl found along the South Coast confirmed with Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.
If you are close to an area of outbreaks, keep your companion birds inside or under cover to keep them safe. If you have outdoor birds please make sure you use a bowl with the F10CL (green) before entering / exiting their enclosures and before entering your house. Defra won’t think twice about culling birds to stop the spread. So don’t take any risks and keep your birds safe.