Bird flu outbreak affects shooters

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Monday, 05 February 2007

The discovery of H5N1 avian influenza in Suffolk is set to impact on the UK's shooters. For the latest information, click here.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) has been confirmed in the UK following the discovery of an outbreak recently at a turkey farm near Lowestoft, in Suffolk, operated by the well-known poultry supplier Bernard Matthews. Defra has culled nearly 160,000 birds at the affected site, with the operation completed on Monday, 5 February.

A protection zone of three kilometres radius and a surveillance zone of 10 kilometres have been established around the premises: movement restrictions are imposed and poultry (including kept gamebirds as far as possible) must be isolated from wild birds. A wider restricted zone has also been imposed, covering east Suffolk and South East Norfolk bounded to the west and the north by the A140 and A47 respectively, an area of approximately 2090sqkm. It requires the isolation of poultry from wild birds, and requires movements to be licensed.

The national and regional restrictions normally last until 30 days after the last case of AI is confirmed.

“Gamekeepers will want to do all they can to help the containment of this potentially very disruptive disease,” a spokesman for the National Gamekeeper’s Organisation (NGO) told www.shootingtimes.co.uk, adding “It is fortunate, from the gamekeeping standpoint, that the game shooting season has just ended, while game rearing for next winter has not yet begun. The impact on gamekeeping, even close to the outbreak, should therefore be comparatively small so long as the disease is contained.”

How shooting is affected:
Defra, following earlier consultation with the NGO, has previously issued advice, "Preparing for avian influenza - Separating domestic birds from wild birds" (www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/pdf/separating.pdf). The NGO advises game rearers, keepers and shooters to read this information now. Page 7 of the guidance advises that if a housing requirement is introduced, as it has been in the regional zones described, pheasants, partridges and other game birds should be housed wherever possible and, as a minimum, all feeding should take place under cover. Any gamekeeper in doubt about what to do must contact their local Animal Health Divisional Office (www.svs.gov.uk/contact/ahdo_locations.htm).

Movements of birds and eggs
Movements of eggs and live birds are also restricted within all three zones. Certain movements may be allowed under licence, subject to the risk of disease spread. The type of controls required and conditions attached will depend on the type of movement (e.g. hatching eggs, live poultry etc), the zone in which the movement originates, and the zone of destination. Application must be made to the local Animal Health Divisional Office (AHDO) as above. Movements of dead gamebirds from all three zones are banned except under licence.

Importing gamebirds
Specific advice for anyone intending to import gamebirds in the next few months is at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/keptbirds/game-advice.htm

Defra helpline
The outbreak impacts on game rearers, gamekeepers and shooters within the restricted zones, while those outside the zones are nevertheless urged to maintain a high level of vigilance. Any owners that suspect disease should act quickly and consult their vet. AI is a notifiable disease and must be reported to your local Divisional Veterinary Manager in the State Veterinary Service (for a list of contacts click this link: www.svs.gov.uk/contact/ahdo_locations.htm) Defra has set up a helpline (08459 33 55 77, open 8.30am to 8pm daily).

If you find dead wild gulls, waders, ducks, geese or swans and you are within a survey area or are unsure whether you are in a surveillance area, contact the helpline.