Bird keepers urged to strengthen biosecurity against avian influenza
Date published:
DAERA is urging all bird keepers, from commercial poultry farmers to those with small backyard flocks, to review and strengthen their biosecurity now, ahead of the higher-risk winter period.
The seasonal movement of migratory wild waterfowl, including ducks and geese, can increase the risk of avian influenza being introduced to kept birds.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N5 was confirmed in Scotland at the beginning of October, and HPAI H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry in England on 19 October. Avian influenza also continues to circulate in wild birds across Europe.
Good biosecurity remains the best way to protect the health and welfare of birds and reduce the risk of disease entering kept bird populations.
Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher, said: “The recent cases in Great Britain are an important reminder that avian influenza remains a threat. I am urging every bird keeper - whether they keep a few birds or thousands - to review their biosecurity now, minimise contact between their birds and wild birds, and monitor their flock closely.
“Do not wait for the risk to increase before taking action. Strict hygiene and robust biosecurity should be in place at all times. If you suspect avian influenza, report it to DAERA immediately.”
Bird keepers should use DAERA’s Biosecurity Checklist and Biosecurity Guidance to review their arrangements and ensure they are following the latest best-practice advice.
Immediate practical steps to protect your birds include:
- Keeping the area where birds live clean and tidy, controlling rats and mice and regularly disinfecting any hard surfaces
- Cleaning and disinfecting footwear before and after visits
- Placing birds’ feed and water in fully enclosed areas that are protected from wild birds, and removing any spilled feed regularly
- Putting fencing around outdoor areas where birds are allowed and limiting their access to ponds or areas visited by wild waterfowl
- Where possible, avoid keeping ducks and geese with other poultry species
DAERA also reminds all bird keepers, except those who keep pet birds exclusively within their home, that registration is a legal requirement. Anyone who has not yet registered should complete the Bird Registration Form available on the DAERA website. Bird Registration Form.
Members of the public should use DAERA’s Dead Wild Bird Online Reporting Tool to report dead wild birds and follow the guidance provided. DAERA Dead Wild Bird Online Reporting Tool.
Notes to editors:
- Avian influenza (AI), commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and/or nervous system of many species of birds.
- The Public Health Agency (PHA) advises that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.
- The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises that avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
- Avian influenza is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect disease in poultry or other captive birds, you must report it immediately to DAERA on 0300 200 7840 or contact your local DAERA Direct Regional Office. You should also seek advice from your private veterinary practitioner. Bird keepers should remain vigilant for signs of disease in their flock. Failure to report suspected notifiable disease is an offence.
- Further information on avian influenza can be found on the DAERA website.
- Further information on the avian influenza situation in Great Britain can be found here.
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