FOLLOWING outbreaks of avian influenza at the end of 2016 and start of 2017, the government's chief vet has announced that the UK has met international requirements to declare itself once again free from the disease – but added that all poultry keepers must remain vigilant, due to there being "a real and constant threat" that it will return.

Chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens explained: "Declaring the UK free from avian flu is an important milestone that will help our efforts to re-open export markets. The past nine months have been very challenging for all those who keep poultry, and I would like to thank everyone for their efforts in helping us contain the disease to a handful of premises.

"However, I urge all keepers to be vigilant – there is a constant risk of avian flu from wild birds and this is likely to increase as winter approaches, temperatures fall, and migratory birds arrive in the UK.

"All poultry keepers should take steps to reduce the risk to their birds, such as cleaning footwear, feeding birds indoors, and minimising contact with wild birds," he advised. "Building these simple actions into routines now can help prepare for any future outbreaks."

H5N8 avian flu was confirmed at commercial premises in Suffolk, Lancashire and Lincolnshire, and in backyard flocks in Northumberland, Lancashire, Norfolk, North Yorkshire and Carmarthenshire, while the same strain of the virus was also found in wild birds in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The government added that it continues to carry out surveillance in poultry and wild birds, and publish regular disease updates.

Commenting on the news, Scottish Government chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas added: “It is essential that bird keepers maintain effective biosecurity year-round, as there is a constant risk of avian influenza from wild birds.

"I would strongly urge all bird keepers to ensure that they are not only maintaining good levels of biosecurity, but have developed or updated a contingency plan for their premises or business.

"This should include considerations on how they might improve biosecurity in response to any increased threat, and how they can be best prepare for the possibility of mandatory requirements and restrictions within a disease control zone. Practical advice about their specific arrangements should be sought from their private vets, in consultation with their local Animal Plant and Health Agency office.”

In light of the return to disease-free status, the National Championship Poultry and Egg Show, due to be held at the Telford International Centre, has announced that it will go ahead on Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3.

As for next year's Royal Highland Show, set to be held from Thursday, June 21, to Sunday, June 24, a spokesperson said: "It was only due to real and significant safety concerns, for the whole industry, that the decision was taken not to have a poultry competition at the Royal Highland Show in 2017.

"At the moment there is no reason why the poultry competition should not go ahead as normal, and this is what is being planned in 2018."