Many of you will have heard that there’s been an increase in confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) across the UK, specifically the H5N1 strain of the virus. To reflect the increase in risk, the APHA have updated the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecuirty measures to include additional biosecurity measures for game bird and shoot operators.  Several Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZs) are now active, and we wanted to share the latest information so you can keep your flock healthy and happy.

Why have we been seeing a rise in Avian Influenza cases during the summer? 

The increase in cases this summer appears to be linked to wild birds, especially as the younger birds started to leaving their nests. Young wild birds hadn't developed a strong immunity to the disease, making them more vulnerable to infection and, in turn, more likely to spread the virus.

Waterfowl and seabirds such as geese, ducks, swans and gulls are particularly important to watch out for as they can carry the virus without always showing signs of illness.

How does Avian Influenza spread?

Avian Influenza can be passed on to chickens and other captive birds in a number of ways, including:

  • Direct contact with infected wild birds
  • Bird droppings
  • Contaminated footwear, clothing, vehicles or equipment (including bedding, such as straw)

Even small amounts of contaminated material can carry the virus, so prevention is key.

Signs of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Poultry

If your birds become infected with the more aggressive form of the virus, symptoms may include:

  • Sudden, high flock mortality
  • Swollen head, blue combs/wattles, runny or closed eyes
  • Lethargy, lack of coordination, unresponsiveness
  • Significant changes in water or feed intake
  • Twisting of the head or neck, drooping wings, dragging legs
  • Breathing problems such as gaping, coughing or rattling
  • Drop in egg production
  • Discoloured, loose or watery droppings

If you notice any of these signs, or anything that concerns you, contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) or your local vet immediately and do not take your chickens to the vet if you suspect they have AI.

Biosecurity – Your best defence

Good hygiene and prevention measures go a long way towards keeping your birds safe. Here are some simple but effective steps:

  • Cleanliness: Regularly clean and disinfect feeders, drinkers, coops and high-traffic areas. Use products that are Defra-approved and effective against Avian Influenza, such as BioVX
  • Separation: Keep your birds away from wild birds and rodents
  • Footwear: Disinfect boots or shoes before entering and leaving your bird areas, or the best thing you can do is change your footwear when you go into the area where your birds are housed. If you can, we would recommend having a dedicated pair of shoes that are worn in bird areas
  • Water and feed: Prevent wild birds from accessing water or feed. Avoid spillage and keep drinkers clean
  • Limit movement: Reduce unnecessary movement of people, animals and equipment in and out of the coop
  • Control the environment: Use netting, fencing or temporary enclosures to prevent contact with wild birds. Avoid feeding your birds outdoors where wild birds might gather

Current rules in England’s AIPZ

Under the current Avian Influenza Prevention Zone:

  • Mandatory biosecurity and hygiene rules are in place for all poultry keepers
  • Consider housing or netting outdoor birds to reduce contact with wild birds
  • Fence off wet or boggy areas where wild waterfowl might gather
  • Disinfect concrete areas regularly to reduce contamination risk

Current rules in the 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone

In the 3km Protection Zone, you must:

  • Follow the rules for the 10km surveillance zone
  • Keep poultry and other captive birds housed
  • Do not travel anywhere with your birds, including your local veterinary practice
  • Follow the instructions from your vet to dispose of any bird carcasses

In the 10km Surveillance Zone, you cannot:

  • Move poultry, other captive birds to or from premises where poultry or other captive birds are kept without a licence

Are you missing out on disease updates from APHA?

If you are missing out on disease updates from the APHA, it may be because you haven’t signed up for the alerts for AI. To sign up to receive the alerts, follow the link below.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apha-alert-subscription-service

For the latest updates and detailed guidance, visit the official government website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu

By staying informed and vigilant, we can keep our feathered friends safe and healthy.

As a reminder, if you keep any poultry or captive birds you must register with Defra. More information on registering your birds can be found on the Government website.

If you are concerned about the health or welfare of your birds, please contact your local veterinary practice for help and advice. A list of chicken friendly practices can be found here.