Bird Flu Prevention Zone Declared Across Britain Amid ‘Largest Ever Outbreak’

Free-range geese graze on the lawn in front of the farmhouse at the Maunder's family-run Home Farm in the village of Kingsweston, near Somerton, England, on Dec. 15, 2015. Matt Cardy/Getty Images

An “avian influenza prevention zone” has been declared across Great Britain as the UK tackles its largest-ever outbreak of bird flu.

From midday on Oct. 17, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in England, Scotland, and Wales to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced.

The move follows an increase in the number of cases of bird flu being detected in wild birds and commercial premises in recent weeks.

The UK has faced its “largest-ever outbreak” of avian flu, according to the government, with 190 cases confirmed across the country since late October 2021 and more than 30 of these being confirmed since the beginning of the month.

According to DEFRA, the East of England has been particularly badly hit with outbreaks in poultry and captive birds. There have also been outbreaks in the southwest and in wild birds at multiple sites across Great Britain.

Increased Risk

According to the government, bird flu circulates naturally in wild birds, and when they migrate to the UK from mainland Europe over the winter, they can spread the disease to poultry and other captive birds.

“Bird keepers have faced the largest-ever outbreak of avian flu this year and with winter brings an even more increased risk to flocks as migratory birds return to the United Kingdom," the chief veterinary officers for England, Scotland, and Wales said in a joint statement.

“Scrupulous biosecurity and hygiene measures is the best form of defence, which is why we have declared an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) across Great Britain, meaning that all bird keepers must take action to help prevent the disease spreading to more poultry and other domestic birds.

“The introduction of an AIPZ means regardless of whether you keep a few birds or thousands, you are legally required to meet enhanced biosecurity requirements to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”

‘Very Low’ Risk to Public Health

Under the prevention zone rules, producers with more than 500 birds must restrict access for nonessential people on their sites, staff must change clothing and footwear before entering enclosures, and vehicles will need regular cleaning and disinfecting.

Backyard owners of smaller numbers of chickens, ducks, and geese must also take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their flocks.

The prevention zone in force across Great Britain doesn’t include a nationwide requirement to keep birds inside, but officials said that was being kept under constant review.

They also said the risk to public health from the virus was very low and that properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat.

PA Media contributed to this report.