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Due to the increased risk of avian influenza from wild birds, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has come into force across Great Britain from noon today (Monday 17 October). From this date, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures, as failure to do so could result in more cases. This applies to all bird keepers in England, Scotland and Wales, whether birds are kept commercially or as pets, regardless of whatever type or size. These measures include cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear and equipment, reducing the movement of people to and from areas, and preventing access by poultry to ponds and watercourses. More information is available in the press release on GOV.?UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-prevention-zone-declared-across-great-britain
Reporting dead wild birds Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find. You should call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) if you find: -one or more dead bird of prey or owl -3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks) -5 or more dead birds of any species We then collect some of these birds and test them to help us understand how the disease is distributed geographically and in different types of bird. Calls to the Defra helpline about dead wild birds are triaged and not all birds will be collected. The criteria for which birds are collected are adjusted to increase or decrease the sensitivity of surveillance. Wild birds are susceptible to a range of diseases and injuries and not all dead birds will have been infected with avian influenza.
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