The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) for poultry and captive birds, introduced to help stop the spread of avian influenza (bird flu), has been lifted.
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The measures have been vital in protecting flocks across the country from the virus which is circulating in wild birds.
The risk of avian influenza has now reduced to low for all poultry. As a result, the mandatory requirements were lifted from 4 July 12pm. The risk has reduced but with recent premises confirmations, it has not gone away.
The scale of avian influenza outbreaks across the UK and Europe have been unprecedented with cases being confirmed into the second year of an outbreak for the first time.
The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu with over 330 cases confirmed across the country since late October 2021.
The prevention measures introduced through the AIPZ including housing measures are introduced in a phased and escalating manner proportionate to the escalating risk to an area and may be introduced or withdrawn on a regional or national basis depending on the epidemiological situation.
All bird keepers must follow enhanced measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks and remain vigilant for signs of disease.
Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said: "“Now we are in the summer months and the risk to poultry across Great Britain has reduced, it is the right time to lift the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone.
“This would not have been possible without the hard work of all bird keepers, who have upheld high biosecurity standards for many months.
"However, there are still localised areas of risk as we have seen recently, and therefore it’s vital that everyone keeps biosecurity and cleanliness at the forefront of their minds to keep their flocks safe.”
From 23 August 2023 gatherings of Galliforme poultry and Galliforme birds including gatherings of chickens, turkeys, pheasants, partridge, quail and guinea fowl are permitted in England provided you follow the requirements of the general licence and that the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has been notified of the gathering at least 7 days before the event.
Gatherings of Anseriforme poultry and Anseriforme birds including ducks, geese and swans are not permitted.
These changes only apply to gatherings of Galliforme poultry and Galliforme birds held in England only. Galliforme birds from premises located in Wales and Scotland are not permitted to attend Galliforme gatherings in England.
The UKHSA advise that the available evidence suggests viruses currently circulating in birds in the UK do not spread easily to people and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.
There is no impact on the consumption of properly cooked poultry products, including eggs.
Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find and instead report them using the new online reporting system or by calling the Defra helpline. ■