EXTRA BIOSECURITY measures against bird flu, which were introduced across Great Britain in November 2020 in response to localised outbreaks of the disease, are to be lifted from today, Saturday May 15.

But the Chief Veterinary Officers from Scotland, England and and Wales are advising poultry keepers that, although the formal Avian Influenza Prevention Zone is no longer in place, they must remain vigilant for any new signs of infection.

In a joint statement, the CVOs said: “This will be welcome news for bird keepers across the country who have put great effort into keeping their flocks safe this winter.

“We have taken swift action to contain and eliminate this disease, and we urge all bird keepers – whether they have just a few birds or thousands – to continue to do their bit to maintain strict biosecurity measures on their premises, so that we do not lose the progress that we have made over the past few months. Low risk does not mean no risk.”

All poultry and bird gatherings, including pigeon gatherings organised for races from mainland Europe, are now permitted, provided organisers notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency at least seven days before the event takes place and that they comply with the provisions of the new General Licence.

Public health advice is that the risk to human health from the H5N8 virus strain is low and from the H5N2, H5N5 and H5N1 virus strains is very low. Food standards bodies also advise that avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers and does not affect the consumption of poultry products, including eggs.

Poultry and captive bird keepers are advised to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns. They can help prevent avian flu by maintaining good biosecurity on their premises, including:

• Fencing off ponds, streams, boggy areas or standing water and draining them where possible;

• Netting or covering ponds;

• Removing any wild bird feed sources;

• Deterring wild birds by regularly walking through the area or by using predator decoys;

• Cleansing and disinfecting concrete or other permeable areas;

• Putting down wood shavings in wet areas;

• Limiting the number of people who come onto the site;

• Using disinfectant foot dips when entering and exiting enclosures or houses.

Poultry and captive bird keepers in Scotland should report suspicion of disease in Scotland through their Local Field Service Office, while members of the public should continue to report dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.