It’s now a legal requirement for all bird keepers in England and Scotland to follow strict
biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian influenza.
NFU Poultry Board chair James Mottershead said: “The NFU Poultry Board met this week and supported the introduction of a GB wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone which would introduce mandatory biosecurity measures for all bird keepers. The NFU also requested the government to implement GB wide housing measures which would be an important part of a suite of measures to help prevent any further outbreaks of this devastating disease.
“We are pleased the government has acted promptly on this issue to protect the national flock with an AIPZ being implemented across England and Scotland with Welsh Government expected to follow shortly. Whilst housing measures have been extended into York, North Yorkshire and Shropshire we urge the respective governments to keep this under constant review and extend this requirement where necessary.
“Outbreaks of avian influenza can put huge emotional and financial strain on farming families. Farmers take such care to protect the health and welfare of their birds and it’s devastating to see that compromised.
“In light of cases of avian influenza being confirmed and the increased risk levels for both wild birds and poultry, I urge all bird keepers, regardless of their size or location, to remain vigilant, maintain stringent biosecurity measures and report any signs of disease in their birds at the earliest opportunity.