On 8th November 2021, a ban on poultry gatherings was enacted in the United Kingdom, to prevent the spread of avian influenza. However, from Wednesday 23rd August 2023 gatherings of certain birds will be permitted by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This will be the first time the ban has been lifted since it came into place in November 2021. Gatherings of quail, guinea fowl and partridge will now be permitted but Defra has stated that: “gatherings of ducks, geese and swans are still banned.”
The new changes will only apply to England. Gatherings are still banned in Scotland and Wales.
What are bird gatherings?
According to the UK government, bird gatherings “include (but are not limited to) bird fairs, markets, shows, sales, exhibitions and some premises used for dealing or internet sales. In addition, vehicles used to transport live birds where the birds are brought together from multiple premises (so called many-to-one or many-to-many activities) are also considered gatherings.”
Why are gatherings still banned in Scotland and Wales?
The avian influenza picture varies slightly across home nations. As of the 23rd August 2023, 33 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been confirmed in Scotland. The most recent IP (Infected Premises) being a smallholding farm on the west of the Isle of Lewis on 22nd August 2023. This demonstrates an alarming rise in the number of avian influenza cases in Scotland as the numbers have tripled in the span of one year.
In August, the eight reported cases were:
- H5N1: 8th August 2023 near Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
- H5N1: 8th August 2023 near Portsoy, Aberdeenshire.
- H5N1: 9th August 2023 near Lochcarron, Highland.
- H5N1: 14th August 2023 near Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway.
- H5N1: 14th August 2023 near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.
- H5N1: 14th August 2023 near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.
- H5N1: 18th August 2023 near Forfar, Angus.
- H5N1: 22nd August 2023 near Lower Barvas, Isle of Lewis.
In Wales, the picture is slightly different. Here the concern is that the three most recent cases occurred in the landlocked and sparsely populated county of Powys. Its geography suggests, then, that wild birds may be the disease vector rather than inter-flock transmission.
The most recent cases of HPAI confirmed in Wales occurred in April 2023. The cases are:
- H5N1: 13th April 2023 near Newtown, Montgomeryshire, Powys.
- H5N1: 23rd April 2023 near Montgomery, Powys.
- H5N1: 27th April 2023 near Newtown, Montgomeryshire, Powys.
For both Scotland and Wales, controlling infection from wild bird migration is crucial, and this goes to explain why both countries have retained bans on poultry gathering, in an attempt to slow the rising infection rates, unlike in England.
Wherever you are in the United Kingdom, however, the best way to protect yourself from the impact of avian influenza is through strict biosecurity measures, which can protect your livestock and livelihood.
Rules on bird gatherings in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has a range of relevant legislation for hosting bird gatherings.
Firstly, bird gatherings cannot be hosted within Disease Control Zones (surrounding infected premises). Under the Avian Influenza (Preventative Measures) (England) Regulations (S.I. 2006/2701), bird gatherings are only permitted outside of Disease Control Zones if the organiser is in possession of a licence.
If you are hosting a gathering which involves galliforme birds, it cannot be conducted in an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ).
You can obtain a captive bird gathering licence which Defra has published. The licence is permitted providing that the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has been notified at least one week in advance of the event taking place. The gathering must meet all requirements for the licence to be granted. There is also a poultry gathering general licence available for gatherings which includes galliforme birds. This follows similar requirements to the captive bird gathering licence.
How Livetec can help you to reduce the likelihood of an avian influenza outbreak at your premises
Livetec are the leading biosecurity professionals in the UK.
Our biosecurity solutions have been keeping the UK poultry industry safe for over a decade.
These include:
The Livetec Systems App
A FREE app which will alert you when there is an outbreak confirmed nearby, as well as a national map of all UK cases and functionality that allows you to report symptoms of your own sick birds. Find out more here.
Biosecurity Advisory Service
The unique service offers an expert conducting an on-site review of your operations and advises you on implementing the most effective biosecurity measures to help improve your on-site protection from disease. For more information, click here.
Biosecurity Plan
Biosecurity plans are crucial to protect farm businesses from disease incursion. Our biosecurity plans involve outlining all the measures every single person needs to take on and off farm. Click here to find out more.
Emergency Response Plan
Livetec provides emergency response plans to ensure you are prepared with vital documentation, guidance and information in the event of an outbreak on-farm which includes an additional copy for Animal Health Officers, Vets and other key personnel. Find out more here.
The Livetec National Outbreak Plan
Find out what to do if you are impacted by a disease outbreak; how to be legally compliant; and to better understand your licensing obligations and the various restriction zone requirements by clicking here.
