· The risk of incursion of highly pathogenic (HPAI) avian influenza H5 in wild birds in Great Britain has reduced from very high to high. With the risk of poultry exposure to HPAI H5 in Great Britain has reduced from medium (with low uncertainty) to low (with high uncertainty) where good biosecurity is applied and has reduced from high (with low uncertainty) to medium (with high uncertainty) where biosecurity is suboptimal.
· Following the reduction in the risk levels the UK Chief Veterinary Officers have announced that the mandatory housing measures for poultry and other captive birds will be lifted across the UK from 00:01 on Monday 2 May 2022.
· Although the risk has reduced, there continues to be a risk to poultry and other captive birds even where good biosecurity is practised. The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in force across the UK until further notice, with only the housing measures component being lifted from 00:01 on the 2 May 2022. This means all bird keepers (whether they have pet birds, a commercial or a backyard flock) must continue to take effective and precautionary biosecurity measures until further notice.
· No changes to the birds gathering general licence have been made, and until further notice gathering of poultry (Galliformes or Anseriformes birds) are notpermitted. Galliforme birds include pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey and guinea fowl. Anseriforme birds include ducks, geese and swans. Bird gatherings of other types of birds are still permitted through the general licences. See our guidance on holding a bird gathering for further information.
· Keepers must continue to keep a close watch on their birds for any signs of disease, and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns. Clinical signs indicative of avian influenza must be reported in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact to the local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.
· In addition, while the risk levels have reduced infection may still be present in the environment. All birds keepers should check the guidance available onGOV.UK/BirdFlu on the proactive steps they should take before the 2 May 2022 to prepare for when your birds can be let outside again to reduce the risk to their birds.
To receive immediate notification of changes to control measures, new cases and updated zones in GB please sign up to the APHA’s Animal Disease alert subscription service further details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apha-alert-subscription-service