From: RPRA <>;
Sent: 04 November 2021 08:17
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Avian Influenza Latest

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) Press Notice - Bird flu - Latest situation: Avian influenza prevention zone declared across Great Britain Following a number of detections of avian influenza in wild birds across Great Britain, the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the whole of Great Britain to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds. This means that from 5pm on Wednesday 3 November 2021 it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their birds. The AIPZ now in force across GB, does not include a requirement to house birds. However, this is being kept under constant review. With the increased risk of Avian Influenza during the winter, the need to include a mandatory housing requirement in the AIPZ may arise. Further disease control measures will be based on the latest scientific evidence and veterinary advice. Biosecurity guidance and information on the latest avian influenza situation and the AIPZ are available at: England: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu Scotland: www.gov.scot/avianinfluenza Wales: https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu Risk Levels The risk of incursion of highly pathogenic (HPAI) avian influenza H5 in wild birds has increased from medium (event occurs regularly) to high (event occurs often) for wild birds. The risk of poultry and captive bird exposure to HPAI H5 across Great Britain has increased from low (with medium uncertainty) to medium (with medium uncertainty) where biosecurity on premises is below the required standard. Where stringent biosecurity measures are in place, the risk has increased from low (with low uncertainty) to low (with medium uncertainty). Further details on the evidence which supported these decisions can be found in Defra and the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) risk assessments available on GOV.UK New Case – Avian Influenza H5N1 in the Angus constituency, Scotland The Chief Veterinary Officer for Scotland has confirmed a case of H5N1 Avian Influenza in birds at a premises in the Angus constituency, Scotland. Further testing is underway to confirm the pathogenicity of the strain. 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones have been put in place surrounding the premises. Keepers can check where disease control zones are located and if they are in a zone on the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) interactive map. For further information on this case and details of the measures that apply in the disease control zones see the Scottish Government website. Keepers must keep a close watch on their birds for any signs of disease, and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns. Clinical signs indicative of avian influenza must be reported in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact to the local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence. Ian Evans CEO