Avian influenza latest: Mandatory housing measures in five new areas of England
As the spread of Avian Influenza continues, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) is reminding its Members that there has been an extension of the mandatory housing order to include Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire.
In response to the significant increase in findings of avian influenza in kept and wild birds, in addition to the nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), mandatory housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds are in force in:
- Cheshire – added
- City of Kingston Upon Hull
- Herefordshire – added
- The East Riding of Yorkshire
- Lancashire – added
- Lincolnshire
- Merseyside – added
- Norfolk
- North Yorkshire
- An area of Shropshire
- Suffolk
- Worcestershire – added
- York
It is now a legal requirement for all bird keepers who fall in these areas to house their birds in addition to following stringent biosecurity measures.
If keepers fall into a Protection Zone outside of these areas, they must also house their birds.
The AIPZ mandating enhanced biosecurity measures remains in place across GB.
Further information about the additional housing measures is available on GOV.UK.
Check the disease control zones on the Government's avian influenza interactive map to see what restrictions are in place and view biosecurity guidance.
Definitive requirements are set out in the published declarations for each disease control zone currently in force. More information is available on GOV.UK.
Authors
James McCulloch
Simon Williams
Simon Williams is Technical Manager for AIC Services. He is based at AIC Head Office, Peterborough and is responsible for the management and coordination of the FEMAS and UFAS assurance schemes as well as being the key contact for mutual recognition with European scheme owners and managing Earned Recognition relationships with UK feed and food competent authorities.
