Updated: 01.08.2024
The presence and impact of notifiable diseases in poultry within the UK has reached unparalleled levels. The persistence of ailments like avian influenza remains relentless.
Avian influenza:
We have witnessed the most severe outbreak of avian influenza ever recorded. This immensely contagious disease has wreaked havoc among flocks throughout the UK, resulting in a mortality rate of up to 99%, leading to millions of deaths, with no known cure.
It has also reached new levels of devastation in the wildlife population. National Trust Countryside Manager, Gwen Potter said, “It sweeps through, takes everything in its path. It doesn’t seem to spare anything, really… We’ve collected thousands of dead birds, and that’s the tip of the iceberg. It’s just the scale of it which is hard to grasp”.
Avian influenza is a notifiable disease. This means that if you suspect you may have an outbreak you have to report it to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). If you suspect the disease in captive birds, you must report it. Failure to do so is breaking the law.
If there is an outbreak the Government will step in with a series of measures to control the spread of the disease. You should check to see if you fall in a Restricted Zone and, if you are, you should prepare for a visit.
The consequences of an outbreak can be devastating for both your flock or backyard pets, causing significant economic and emotional impacts. Timely reporting is crucial as it allows for swift assistance and intervention.
Most strains of avian influenza are classified as notifiable diseases, meaning that you are legally obliged to report them. This obligation extends to any suspicions of animals being infected as well.
What happens when you report a avian influenza or any notifiable disease:
- You will speak to a duty vet from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). The duty vet will ask you about your animals.
- If avian influenza cannot be eliminated via a phone call, APHA will need to conduct an investigation. There is a high chance of a veterinary inspector having to visit your premises.
- The duty vet will inform you of the restrictions you must follow before the inspection. For instance, you may have to stop moving anything that can transmit the disease such as equipment and vehicles.
- When the veterinary inspector visits, they may take samples for testing if a notifiable disease cannot be ruled out. Some diseases may lead to culling the animal to get a sample.
- Some restrictions may be put in place on your premises. You must follow the restrictions otherwise you are breaking the law.
- A temporary control zone can be put around the area, depending on the severity of the disease. This measure aims to limit the movement of the disease, preventing its further spread.
- Restrictions will continue until the investigation is complete. If avian influenza is ruled out, the restrictions can stop.
The avian influenza procedure explained
Avian influenza is a notifiable disease which is an animal disease that you are obligated to report by law. This also includes suspicion of animals being infected.
If avian influenza is confirmed
Should avian influenza be confirmed, APHA will conduct further investigations to assess:
- Where the disease came from
- How long has the disease been present
- Whether it has spread
Restrictions will be placed in areas where the disease has likely spread to and from. Depending on the risk of the disease, there may be restrictions placed in a wider area. These are called disease control zones.
APHA may:
- Cull animals that are susceptible to the disease
- Perform an initial cleansing and disinfection of the premises
- Introduce strict rules regarding restocking
- Limit activities that can spread diseases such as animal gatherings and hunting
Advice to farm businesses:
- Ensure that anyone leaving the farm thoroughly cleans and disinfects their footwear and changes their clothes.
- Take all reasonable steps to ensure that the restrictions and requirements are complied with.
- Immediately restrict all movement of individuals and visitors on premises.
APHA will tell you any actions you need to take.
Advice to farm businesses:
- Ensure that anyone leaving the farm thoroughly cleans and disinfects their footwear and changes their outer clothes.
- Take all reasonable steps to ensure that the restrictions and requirements are complied with.
- Restrict all movement of individuals and visitors on premises.
A disease declaration will be posted on the APHA website. It usually appears early evening, once all the tests have been completed and officials have discussed the case. If you are registered with the APHA text or email service, you will also receive an alert, but this can be up to 24 hours after the declaration is made.
How to report suspected bird flu in poultry or other captive birds:
If you suspect avian influenza in poultry or other captive birds, you must report it immediately by calling:
- 03000 200 301 if you’re in England.
- 03003 038 268 if you’re in Wales.
- Your local Field Services Office if you’re in Scotland.
Livetec are here to support UK bird keepers
All poultry infections can be severe and decimate a flock. Maintaining high levels of biosecurity year-round is essential.
Livetec are the industry leaders in biosecurity. We create bespoke plans that are designed to mitigate the risk of infection and protect the welfare of your flock and your farm business. Our plans encompass best practices, unique evidence based thinking and the latest legislation.
Robust biosecurity protocols are vital on farms and between sites. If they are breached, the entire flock is placed at risk. Some organisations require employees to sign a sheet to acknowledge their training and agree to sanctions if they do not comply.
Comprehensive training is essential for all employees and staff, including relief workers, so everyone is fully aware of exactly what they need to do should an outbreak occur.
Introducing the Livetec National Outbreak Plan (FREE for a limited time)
The National Outbreak Plan is an invaluable source of crucial information that outlines preventive measures against disease outbreaks and legal obligations in the event of an incursion. It serves as the initial step in contingency planning, aiding in your preparation for worst-case scenarios, should they occur.
It clearly explains all of the zones and what you are legally obliged to do in the event of an outbreak, helping you navigate all of the legislation. It helps protect you, your flock, your finances and your future.
The National Outbreak Plan contains:
- A how-to guide for disease declaration
- Information reporting when zones are implemented
- Explanation of movement restrictions
- Movement licensing and their conditions of use
- Zone definitions and their requirements
- How to deal with the media
- Farming related support services and mental health planning
- A guide on how to change or update your CPH number
- Updates of the Governments exotic diseases control and AI policy
- An acronym glossary to quickly define key terms
Our plans enhance disease prevention and risk aversion. In such uncertain times, Livetec is working closely with bird keepers to protect their flocks, their livelihoods and their reputations.
Shop the National Outbreak Plan here.
