Following detections of avian influenza in poultry, wild and captive birds throughout the East Driving of Yorkshire, Metropolis of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) throughout the area to mitigate the danger of additional outbreaks of the illness.
Which means that from right this moment (13 December) it’s a authorized requirement for all chicken keepers inside the zone to comply with strict biosecurity measures to assist defend their flocks, of no matter kind or measurement. A map of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone is offered on gov.uk.
The present danger to human well being stays very low and correctly cooked poultry and poultry merchandise, together with eggs, are suitable for eating. UKHSA stays vigilant for any proof of fixing ranges of danger and are maintaining this below fixed evaluation.
The introduction of an AIPZ follows the latest enhance in circumstances of chicken flu in poultry and different captive birds within the space and elevated experiences of mass mortality in wild birds.
The AIPZ now in pressure doesn’t embody a requirement to accommodate birds, until you’re additionally in a 3km Safety Zone. Nonetheless, that is being stored below fixed evaluation. Additional illness management measures will probably be based mostly on the most recent scientific proof and veterinary recommendation.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss stated:
Following quite a lot of detections of avian influenza we’ve got declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone throughout the East Driving of Yorkshire, Metropolis of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Which means that all chicken keepers in these areas should take enhanced biosecurity actions now to each assist stop illness getting in to flocks and it cease it spreading any additional.
Chicken keepers should train strong biosecurity measures, stay alert for any indicators of illness and report suspected illness instantly to the Animal and Plant Well being Company.
Animal Plant Well being Company Head of England Subject Supply, Aled Edwards stated:
The introduction of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone means whatever the variety of birds you retain, you’re required to satisfy enhanced biosecurity necessities to guard your birds from this extremely infectious illness.
Scientists, vets and discipline groups from the Animal and Plant Well being Company are working arduous to assist deal with the unfold of avian influenza and guarantee chicken keepers are stored updated and supported.
The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) means chicken keepers within the zone should:
- cleanse and disinfect clothes, footwear, tools and autos earlier than and after contact with poultry and captive birds– if sensible, use disposable protecting clothes
- cut back the motion of individuals, autos or tools to and from areas the place poultry and captive birds are stored, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and different merchandise
- perform efficient vermin management in any areas the place poultry and captive birds are stored
- completely cleanse and disinfect housing on a steady foundation
- maintain contemporary disinfectant on the proper focus in any respect farm and poultry housing entry and exit factors
- minimise direct and oblique contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, together with ensuring all feed and water will not be accessible to wild birds
- stop entry by poultry to ponds and watercourses and be certain that birds are stored in fenced or enclosed areas
The prevention zone will probably be in place till additional discover, and will probably be stored below common evaluation as a part of the federal government’s work to watch and handle the dangers of chicken flu.
Keepers are inspired to take motion to stop chicken flu and cease it spreading. Be vigilant for indicators of illness and report it to maintain your birds protected.
See the interactive map for particulars of management zones and test the declarations for particulars of the restrictions.
Examine when you’re in a chicken flu illness zone on the map and test Defra-approved disinfectant: when and use it – GOV.UK
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