An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has come into force across Great Britain as of 5pm on Wednesday 3rd November 2021.
This means it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures to protect their birds from avian influenza (bird flu).
The AIPZ means bird keepers across Great Britain must:
- Keep domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry.
- Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources.
- Feed and water your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds.
- Minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures.
- Clean and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy.
- Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas.
- Keep free ranging birds within fenced areas, and that ponds, watercourses and permanent standing water must be fenced off (except in specific circumstances e.g. zoo birds).
The latest guidance will be available on the .Gov website at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
