Avian Flu
If you keep poultry (including game birds or as pets), you should follow our biosecurity best practice advice at:
www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#biosecurity-advice
Good biosecurity improves the overall health and productivity of your flock by helping keep out poultry diseases such as avian influenza and limiting the spread of disease in an outbreak. This applies just as much if you only have a few birds as pets, or if you have a large commercial flock. An outbreak of bird flu in back garden chickens results in the same restrictions on movement of birds. It has the same effect on farmers and trade in poultry as an outbreak on a commercial farm.
To ensure good biosecurity, all poultry keepers should:
- minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures
- clean footwear before and after visiting birds, using a DEFRA approved disinfectant at entrances and exits
- clean and disinfect vehicles and equipment that have come into contact with poultry
- keep areas where birds live clean and tidy, and regularly disinfect hard surfaces such as paths and walkways
- humanely control rats and mice
- place birds’ food and water in fully enclosed areas protected from wild birds, and remove any spilled feed regularly
- make sure there is no direct contact with poultry or other captive birds on other neighbouring premises
- avoid keeping ducks and geese with other poultry species, where possible
- keep birds separate from wildlife and wild waterfowl by putting suitable fencing around outdoor areas they access
- keep a close watch on birds for any signs of disease and report any very sick birds or unexplained deaths to your vet
- keep records (other than in a zoo) of all vehicles that enter any part of the premises where poultry are kept and of all people who come into any direct contact with the poultry.
- keep records of all poultry, captive bird and egg movements, have these available to an inspector or veterinary inspector on demand
In addition to the above all keepers of over 50 poultry or other captive birds, must place foot dip containing Defra-approved poultry disinfectant (at the correct dilution rate) at entry and exit points of all houses or outdoor areas where birds are kept and all footwear, must be cleaned using these foot dips on entry and exit to these areas.
Alternatively, disposable over-shoes or footwear can be used but must be changed when moving between bird and non-bird areas.
If you keep more than 500 birds you must take some extra biosecurity measures. They include:
- identifying clearly defined areas where access by non-essential people and vehicles are restricted
- operate effective barrier hygiene, including changing clothing and footwear, before entering and exiting from the live-bird part
- cleaning and disinfecting vehicles, equipment and footwear
- keeping records of vehicles and personnel entering and leaving the live-bird part
You must keep a close watch on your birds for any signs of disease, and must seek prompt advice from your vet if you have any concerns. Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find. If you suspect any type of avian influenza you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. Failure to do so is an offence. Dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese, or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, should be reported to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77– please select option 7).
From the 8th November 2021 no gatherings of poultry, galliforme or anseriforme birds are permitted. Galliforme birds include pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey and guinea fowl. Anseriforme birds include ducks, geese and swans. Bird gatherings include (but are not limited to) bird fairs, markets, shows, sales, exhibitions, vehicles used to transport live birds where the birds are brought together from multiple premises and some premises used for dealing or internet sales. For further guidance please go to:
www.gov.uk/guidance/bird-gatherings-licences
We strongly recommend that you read the biosecurity guidance which includes details of measures that should be taken in an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone. You should also complete the biosecurity self-assessment checklist and retain for inspection if requested by representatives from APHA or Local Authorities. Both of these documents can be downloaded at the following link: