This relates to the potential problem of obtaining gamebirds, namely red-legged partridges for the upcoming season; as gamebird suppliers are also reliant on French stock (eggs, chicks, poults): and France is experiencing a large number of cases with Avian Influenza in some regions.

See more detailed information below.

18/3/2022

Latest Bird Flu Update from the GWCT

By Alex Keeble, GWCT Advisor

Highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza (bird flu) have been prevalent at various sites across the UK during winter 2021/22 significantly impacting on farming businesses as a result of restriction zones on animal movements and culls of birds. There have also been many cases in wild birds too. Bird flu seems to occur during the migration periods of birds flying to and from the UK and over the winter months.

Within the last few weeks there have also been over 180 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic bird flu strains on commercial farms in France. The regions of Vendee and Loire Atlantique causing most concern for gamebird rearing due to these being the areas where some of the main French game farms are located.

Within the UK, a significant number of gamebirds (mainly red-legged partridges) are imported as either eggs, chicks, or poults from France. Many UK game farms rely on French stock. There are however many game farmers within the UK that keep over-wintered laying stock of both pheasants and red-legged partridges, supplying a UK produced bird that should be available for the coming season, although in limited numbers.

Currently, imports and exports of game birds are restricted and agreements on gamebird movements will take a significant amount of time to arrange. Each restricted zone is locked down for a minimum of 30 days, but with the increase in cases this could potentially be prolonged - effecting UK imports.

Clearly the presence of avian influenza in France is going to impact the numbers of gamebirds released into the UK this coming season, with the delays currently in place on exporting eggs releasing red-legged partridges in time for September sport may prove challenging. However, as cases of bird flu tend to reduce through spring, it is possible that the situation may improve over the coming weeks and October and November partridge days may be less affected.

There have been discussions amongst some of the shooting community to catch up game birds out of season to secure an outlet for eggs and chicks for this coming season due to the potential proposed shortage. There are many reasons why this practice should categorically not be carried out, the main reason being that it is illegal to catch up after February 1st in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and after 28th February in Scotland.

We advise all shoots to contact their game farmers to discuss the potential impact of these restrictions are going to have on the forthcoming shooting season. For further advice, please contact the advisory service on 01425 651013 or advisory@gwct.org.uk