Bird flu: Poultry housing order introduced in England

Following a concerning rise in the number of confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, in housed and wild birds in the last month, the Government has announced a mandatory poultry housing order covering all of England from today (13 November).

Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures have also been put in place in England and Scotland to further reduce the risk of outbreaks this winter.

With the seasonal rise in cases in bird flu in the last few years, we recognise the vital role that vets across different areas of practice play in mitigating its spread and are here to support you.

If you work with clients who keep birds as pets or commercially, support them with advice about the biosecurity measures they should have in place- these include disinfecting footwear, regularly cleansing and disinfecting the birds’ housing and concrete walkways, and reporting any changes in egg production.

Those of you who work in small animal practice or are presented with backyard poultry or wild birds can refer to our handy guidance on clinical signs to look out for, how to examine suspected cases, how to report your suspicions, and more. See our Avian Influenza guidance, developed with colleagues at BVZS, BVPA and BSAVA.