Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th April 2025
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Further avian influenza housing measures introduced
Bird keepers across the UK must continue to follow enhanced biosecurity.
Four more counties must now house kept birds.

More avian influenza housing measures have been introduced in the north of England, following increased findings of avian influenza among wild birds.

As of 7 April, bird keepers in Cumbria, County Durham, Northumberland and Tyneside must now house any kept birds. They must also continue following the strictest biosecurity measures, as required by the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ).

The four counties join East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Shropshire, York, North Yorkshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire in maintaining these avian influenza housing measures. Bird keepers across Northern Ireland must also follow these rules.

Mandatory housing also applies to bird keepers within a 3km Protection Zone or 3km Captive Bird Monitoring (Controlled) Zone around an infected premises.

Bird keepers across all of the UK must continue to follow the enhanced biosecurity which is mandated by AIPZs. This includes keepers of pet birds, commercial flocks or backyard flocks.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) says that the extended measures are necessary to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks.

It states that all measures are introduced in a phased or escalating manner proportionate to the risk in the area. They will remain in force until further notice, however the government is conducting regular reviews.

Ele Brown, UK deputy chief veterinary officer, said: “Due to the increasing number of bird flu cases in the north of England, particularly in regions with high-density poultry farming, we are extending housing measures to Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland and Tyneside.
 
“Bird keepers are urged to stay alert for any signs of disease, maintain strict biosecurity practices, and report any suspected cases of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”

Bird keepers should consult Defra’s map to see if they are within a bird flu disease zone. New bird keepers must also register within one month of keeping birds at any premises.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk