AI precautions remain sufficient, says Defra

The discovery in Lyon in France of a wild duck that died of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus increases the likelihood of the disease being found in the UK, says Defra. But the department’s officials say that the precautions already in place “remain sufficient and appropriate for the time being”. As such there has been no order to house free range birds.

Defra has consulted with expert ornithologists who have advised that ducks from the Lyon region do not normally fly to the UK at this time of the year. However, they do say that the pochard duck uses the East Atlantic flyway, which is the same migratory path under which the UK lies.

Fred Landeg, the deputy chief veterinary officer, said: “We have existing robust surveillance measures in place and have taken over 3500 samples from wild birds, which so far have not detected H5N1 in the UK. Nor has AI been found in domestic poultry in the European Union. Surveillance will continue at a high level and the general public can play its part here by reporting to the Defra helpline on 08459 335577 any unusual wild bird deaths. We will continue to monitor the developing situation carefully.”

John Widdowson, vice-chairman of the British Free Range Egg Producers Association, acknowledges that the possibility of free range birds being ordered inside increases each time the virus is found closer to the UK.

“We do not want to see our birds housed but we will do so if required,” said John. “Our members have been preparing for this since last autumn and could get their birds indoors at very short notice. We will go along with whatever Defra advises.”

Meanwhile all poultry keepers are being urged to remain vigilant and operate to the highest standards of biosecurity.