We are experiencing the worst outbreak of bird flu since records began.
Due to this, the UK has now reached 170 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza since the 1st October 2022. This frightening, record breaking figure highlights the need for stringent biosecurity practices, to reduce the incursion of the deadly disease.
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a highly contagious disease mostly found in birds. There is no cure and it devastates flocks with a mortality rate of up to 99%. Currently, it is impacting a vast range of bird keepers, from backyard flock owners to commercial poultry producers.
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”.
In an effort to slow the spread of avian influenza, a number of housing orders were imposed across different regions in late 2022, requiring all bird owners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (commercial and backyard flock owners) to keep their birds housed for the foreseeable future. However, we continue to see avian influenza spread across the UK.
Even more worrying, reports have surfaced that the deadly disease has been detected in a number of mammals.
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss has stated “Many poultry keepers have excellent biosecurity standards but the number of cases we are seeing suggests that not enough is being done to keep bird flu out.” She stressed that “Implementing scrupulous biosecurity remains absolutely critical.”
You can’t afford to be complacent about biosecurity
Now more than ever stringent biosecurity measures are needed to slow and stop the spread of this deadly disease. An outbreak could devastate your flock or backyard pets, impacting you economically and emotionally.
As there is no cure, the only protection is prevention.
Livetec are the industry leaders in biosecurity and our Biosecurity Advisory Service is a vital part of how we help protect flocks and farms. As part of this service we provide you with a Livetec biosecurity expert who will conduct a comprehensive on-site review of your day-to-day operations. Once completed they will discuss with you any areas for concern. And, using their years of experience, go through the best solutions for the welfare of your flock, your staff and your business.
We also offer an extensive range of plans. Our plans enhance disease prevention and risk aversion. In such uncertain times, Livetec is working closely with farmers to protect their livestock, their livelihood and their reputations.
To find out how we can help you plan for future success click here.
