Norfolk placed in Avian Influenza Prevention Zone after bird flu outbreaks

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone has been declared in Norfolk following multiple outbreaks of bird flu.

Following a number of cases of bird flu in poultry and wild birds across Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex, the United Kingdom’s Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer has declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the region to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease.

Two cases have been declared in West Norfolk over the last couple of months.

From noon today it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks, of whatever type or size.

Bird keepers are advised to consult this interactive map to check if they are impacted and should then read the AIPZ declaration which sets out the requirements.

All bird keepers including hobby and backyard poultry keepers and anyone who keeps chickens, ducks and geese as pets must take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals.

Keepers with more than 500 birds will need to restrict access for non-essential people on their sites, workers will need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and site vehicles will need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

There is also a mandatory requirement to keep records and to make them available on request.

The UK Health Security Agency continues to advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency advice remains unchanged, that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.

Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu with over 150 cases confirmed across the country since late October 2021.

The introduction of the regional AIPZ comes after the disease was detected in kept birds at 10 premises in the affected regions since the beginning of September, as well as several reports in wild birds.

Richard Irvine, the UK's Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, said: “Following an increased number of detections of avian influenza we have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone across Suffolk, Norfolk and parts of Essex.

"This means that all bird keepers in the region must urgently take action now to both prevent disease getting in to flocks and it spreading any further.

"Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you are now legally required to introduce stricter biosecurity standards on your farm or small holding.

"It is in your interests to do so in order to protect your birds from this highly infectious and devastating disease.”

The regionalised AIPZ now in force does not include a requirement to house birds.

However, this is being kept under constant review.

Further disease control measures will be based on the latest scientific evidence and veterinary advice.

The AIPZ will be in place until further notice, and will be kept under regular review.

Bird keepers and members of the public should report dead wild birds to Defra’s national dead wild bird helpline on 03459 33 55 77 and keepers should report suspicion of disease in their birds to APHA on 03000 200 301.