Bird Flu (Avian Influenza): Latest Situation in England
January 18, 2025
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has released an update on the situation of bird flu in England.
Current Situation
As of January 18, 2025, 142 cases of bird flu have been confirmed in poultry and captive birds in England since October 1, 2024. Of these cases, 129 were in commercial birds, and 13 in backyard flocks or other captive birds.
The affected premises are located across England, with the majority in the East of England and the South West.
Government Response
DEFRA has implemented a range of measures to control the spread of bird flu, including:
- Declaring a national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) on December 20, 2024. This zone requires all poultry and captive bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures to minimize the risk of infection.
- Establishing a dedicated Avian Influenza Control Team to coordinate the government’s response.
- Conducting surveillance and monitoring to identify and contain outbreaks.
- Implementing movement restrictions and culling measures in areas where the virus has been detected.
Public Health Risk
Public Health England (PHE) advises that the risk to human health from bird flu is very low. However, people should avoid touching or handling any sick or dead birds, and should report any suspected cases to DEFRA.
Advice for Poultry Keepers
DEFRA strongly urges all poultry keepers to follow the biosecurity measures outlined in the AIPZ. These include:
- Keeping poultry indoors where possible.
- If birds must be kept outdoors, using netting or other measures to prevent contact with wild birds.
- Cleaning and disinfecting equipment and vehicles thoroughly.
- Avoiding contact with other poultry or captive birds.
- Reporting any signs of illness in birds to DEFRA immediately.
Impacts on the Poultry Industry
The bird flu outbreak has had a significant impact on the poultry industry in England. Several poultry farms have been culled, and egg production has been disrupted.
DEFRA is working closely with the industry to support businesses affected by the outbreak. The government has also announced a compensation scheme for poultry keepers who have lost birds due to bird flu.
Conclusion
The situation of bird flu in England remains serious, but DEFRA is taking all necessary measures to control the spread of the virus and protect public health. Poultry keepers are urged to follow biosecurity measures and report any suspected cases to DEFRA immediately.
Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England
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