Poultry to be allowed outside as avian flu risk reduces

The Government has announced that all poultry in England will be allowed outside from 13th April, following the latest scientific evidence and veterinary advice on avian flu.

According to the UK’s chief veterinary officer, Nigel Gibbens, evidence has concluded that the level of avian flu Higher Risk Areas of England has now reduced to the same level as that across the rest of England.The progress was attributed to changes in the wild bird population, with the majority of over-wintering migratory birds having now left the UK, while resident wild waterfowl are at their lowest levels and entering the breeding season.Gibbens highlighted that a ban on poultry gatherings remains in force until further notice, while all keepers in England will continue to be required to comply with strict biosecurity measures.The Government added that the risk of poultry becoming infected by avian flu, or H5N8, remains heightened and countries across Europe continue to experience outbreaks and observe cases in wild birds.Defra will step up surveillance of wild birds across the UK to inform risk assessments.Gibbens added: “This does not mean business as usual: the risk from avian flu has not gone away and a Prevention Zone remains in place, requiring keepers across England to take steps to prevent disease spreading. We continue to keep measures under review and keepers should check gov.uk for regular updates.”H5N8 can spread indirectly via the contaminated environment, such as in wild bird droppings, feed or bedding, as well as being passed from wild birds to poultry directly from bird to bird.

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