Rise in avian influenza cases increases concern
The uptick in avian influenza cases in the UK show no sign of stopping.
The most recent cluster saw three new cases confirmed across the 9th and 10th December alone. This cluster centres on Norfolk and extends to neighbouring counties. In response, the UK Government has announced a regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across East Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, in effect from 13th December 2024.
Speaking about the AIPZ, Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer said that its implementation should “mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of disease occurring.”
What does an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone mean?
The rules of an AIPZ are clear. It is now a legal requirement for all birdkeepers within the zone – whether they keep 1 bird or 100,000 – to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to help protect their flocks.
Currently, this AIPZ does not include a mandatory housing order, unless your property falls within a 3km protection zone, close to an affected premises. Authorities are keeping this position under review and should the rise in case numbers continue, a compulsory regional housing order could be put in place.
Avian influenza season 2024
The first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza for the 2024 season was declared on the 5th November 2024. Tests identified the H5N5 strain being present in this case.
Soon after, strain H5N1 made a reappearance with five further cases of the same strain reported since then.
Unfortunately, H5N1 will be easily recognisable to all bird keepers as the strain that spread rapidly between the 2021 to 2022 season, impacting nearly 4 million birds.
Stay alert to avian influenza
It’s critical, in these times of increased exposure, that all birdkeepers know what to do in order to minimise the chances of avian influenza being brought onto their premises.
Key to maximising the benefits of biosecurity is to adopt a holistic, comprehensive approach that covers practices, facilities and mindset. Livetec’s Group Technical Director, Julian Sparrey, notes that “Most know that human biosecurity is crucial, but it must be done properly, or there’s no point in doing it at all.”
Over the Christmas season, Livetec Systems are urging producers to stay vigilant both in the health of their animals and in their awareness of any case spread in their area.
Livestock Protect, an app brought to you by Livetec Systems, provides real-time updates on new avian influenza cases across the country. Should a local case be confirmed and you are caught within a zone, the app will notify you of any necessary measures including any relevant movement restrictions in force.
Free to download, you can get Livestock Protect from Google Play and the Apple store today.
