NFU Avian Influenza Update
AI Update:
There have been no reported new cases of Avian Influenza within the UK.
Although some restrictions are still in place in the Dorset area, a 3km Control Area and a 10km Monitoring Area has been established around the premises.
Wild Bird Control Area
The Control Area must be in place for at least 21 days following the date of collection of the samples from the infected wild bird. The duration will take account of surveillance in the area showing that there is no disease present.
A general licence has been issued as Friday 25 January allowing the movement of bird by products from the Wild Bird Control Area provided its conditions are met. The general licence allowing the movement of poultry to slaughter from the same Area has also been amended.
Wild Bird Monitoring Area
The boundary of the Monitoring Area is set at a 10km radius from wild bird location, but extends to take account of the location of local bird reserves and the presence of wild bird populations along the Dorset coastline towards Portland Bill. The measures applying in the Monitoring Area include:
• Biosecurity measures for premises, people and vehicles;
• A ban on the hunting of wild birds, the release of game birds and bird gatherings.
As of 3pm on 25 January, the restrictions on the movement of poultry or other captive birds in the Wild Bird Monitoring Area fell, and such movements no longer require a licence. Legislation provides for this 15 days after the Area restrictions were declared. Such restrictions in the Wild Bird Control Area remain in place.
However there have been a number or outbreaks of AI across the world:
India – 820,788 back yard poultry in 3 villages.
Egypt – 79 outbreaks - 1,078,369 backyard poultry.
Iran – 1 outbreak – 489 free range chickens.
Egypt – 9 outbreaks – 40,724 layers & backyard poultry.
Ukraine – 1 outbreak – 25,000 layer chickens.
Turkey – 1 outbreak – 300 backyard poultry.
Germany – 2 outbreaks – 45 backyard poultry.
Thailand - 2 outbreaks – 59,740 broilers.
