House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Avian Influenza: Further protection measures for kept birds
12 November 2020 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Proposed by Victoria Prentis Con Banbury
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Department has established an indefinite Avian Influenza Prevention Zone requiring keepers to take enhanced biosecurity measures.
- The zone will be reviewed and amended as necessary based on changing circumstances and further scientific advice.
- Mandatory housing of all poultry is under review but not yet required.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the measures taken to protect poultry and other captive birds from High Pathogenicity H5N8 Avian Influenza, including the introduction of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone.
Action requested
The Department has established an indefinite Avian Influenza Prevention Zone that requires keepers to take enhanced biosecurity measures. The zone will be reviewed and amended as necessary based on changing circumstances and further scientific advice. Mandatory housing of all poultry is under review but not yet required.
Key facts
- Two diagnosed cases of H5N8 in poultry were found in Cheshire and Herefordshire.
- Several findings of the virus have been reported in wild birds in south-west England.
- The risk of further H5N8 incursion has risen to medium for poultry.
- An indefinite Avian Influenza Prevention Zone requires enhanced biosecurity measures for all keepers, including those with small flocks or pet birds.
- Licensing arrangements have been changed to prohibit events such as bird shows.
- Similar measures are being introduced by the Devolved Administrations and Scottish and Welsh Governments.
- Northern Ireland officials are reviewing their risk assessment.
- Up to ten kilometres (six miles) zones around infected premises have been imposed to limit disease spread.
- Culling birds humanely and to high biosecurity standards has been implemented.