The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone has been lifted across England today, but poultry keepers are still warned to follow good biosecurity measures.
The government imposed the national AIPZ after being alerted to a large scale wild bird death, confirmed to be a result of the European strain of the avian influenza virus H5N6, in January this year.
Poultry keepers of any size were forced to follow specific disease prevention measures, these also applied even if birds are pets.
The government has today (25 May) declared an end to the AIPZ across England, but warns keepers must still follow good practice.
It insists all disease control measures are kept under review based on the latest scientific and veterinary advice.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: "The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone was lifted across England due to the scientific and veterinary evidence showing that the risk of this disease has now returned to low.
"It is essential that all bird keepers continue to maintain good biosecurity measures to protect their birds and help prevent outbreaks or spread of diseases."
Biosecurity
Farmers and keepers are still urged by Defra to review biosecurity measures, including:
• Minimise movement in and out of your bird enclosure
• Clean footwear before and after visiting your birds
• Keep bird enclosures clean and tidy and regularly disinfecting any hard surfaces
• Humanely control rats and mice
• Place birds’ food and water in fully-enclosed areas that wild birds cannot access, and remove any spilled feed
• Keep your birds separate from wildlife and wild waterfowl by putting suitable fencing around the outdoor areas they access
• Make sure equipment, feed and bedding are stored undercover so they cannot be contaminated by wild birds
• Where possible keep chickens and turkeys separate from ducks and geese
