On the 29th March 2024, the UK Government self-declared Great Britain free of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This declaration follows strict adherence to guidelines set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
While the declaration is currently under review by WOAH, it signifies a significant milestone and will follow on from Northern Ireland also declaring itself free on the 31st March 2024. The UK has not reported any outbreaks of HPAI in poultry or captive birds since the 14th February 2024, and the risk to flocks is now considered low. This is a welcome relief for poultry farmers and backyard bird keepers who have faced years of the threat of disease.
Prior to this declaration, poultry farmers had to implement stricter measures to prevent the spread of the virus, and while these measures were necessary to control the spread of HPAI, they also added significant costs and burdens to poultry production. Backyard bird keepers were also impacted by the HPAI outbreaks, and as such the declaration offers some hope for a return to normality for these hobbyists. Recently the government in a move to bolster defences against avian influenza (AI), the British government announced new mandatory bird registration requirements for any one keeping birds, no matter how they may be few.
However, it’s important to note that wild birds can still carry the virus. The UK government advises continued vigilance and encourages bird keepers to maintain those stringent biosecurity practices.
The UK’s declaration of zonal freedom from HPAI is a positive step forward for the poultry industry and bird keepers alike. By following WOAH guidelines and maintaining strict biosecurity practices, the industry can recover from a difficult few years, while minimising the risk of future outbreaks.
Take a look back on what happened 2001-2022 outbreak and what lessons were learnt with our in-depth report here.
How can Livetec help you protect your birds
Livetec have been at the forefront of the latest thinking and evidence-based research into what makes robust biosecurity. Our Contingency Plans have been created from years of attending notifiable disease outbreaks. From seeing first hand the process of, and the impact that outbreaks can have, the plans are designed to give you a map to protecting your business from the worst, and helping you to recover, should the worst happen.
Find out more about our plans here, or contact a Livetec Biosecurity Adviser here.