The UK is currently experiencing an unprecedented outbreak of HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza), in previous outbreaks we have seen a reduction in cases during the summer months, however this year cases in both wild and captive birds have been persistent throughout the year.
Maintaining stringent biosecurity is paramount in mitigating the risks of incursion of the virus onto your / our premises and into your birds. To that end, we continue to keep people out of the practice and you may experience a more in-depth telephone triage at the time of booking your appointment.
Please also see our earlier post for more details regarding biosecurity / disinfectants and other relevant links
**UPDATE: 31/10/2022** – A mandatory housing order for all birds will come into effect at 00:01 07/11/2022
Update 17/10/2022 National AIPZ comes into force
If you are in a 10km surveillance zone or a 3km Control / Protection Zone and your bird needs veterinary attention, with the exception of birds that live in your house, you are required to apply for a ‘specific license’ in order to move them. You need to register online with APHA (all species of bird) to apply for this license.
*** Updated 09/11/2022*** Bird flu: rules if you keep racing pigeons, birds of prey and other captive birds
A link to HPAI in Wild Birds reports
This report is produced by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). It is updated regularly with findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds in Great Britain. Updates are recorded in calendar weeks (for example, week 1 is the first week in January). This surveillance is made up of patrols by wild bird reserve wardens and collections of found-dead wild birds reported to APHA by members of the public. This data only represents cases where birds have tested positive for avian influenza. For inclusion in the surveillance certain criteria must be met – testing will be performed on one or more dead birds of prey, 3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl and 5 or more dead birds of any species.