Defra enhances measures to combat bird flu

Already stretched keepers and bird rearers are being urged to implement enhanced biosecurity measures following Defra’s updated bird flu guidance issued on 20 August. Officials warn that coastal counties and gamebird areas face heightened risk during migration season.

New requirements for shoots and rearing sites

England’s Avian Influenza Prevention Zone includes new sector-specific requirements. Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss warned: “Gamebird operations must take action now to protect their birds and limit further outbreaks.”

Enhanced protocols include daily vehicle disinfection upon site entry and maintaining one feeding station per 60 released birds. Daily cleaning of feeding equipment to remove droppings and spillage is advised, with all stations requiring cover against wild bird contamination.

Keepers are being urged to maintain 50-metre buffers between pheasant feeding areas and waterfowl habitats, extending to 500 metres from other captive birds. During shooting season, daily health checks of penned birds are recommended, alongside searches within 50 metres of release pens for carcasses.

Detailed visitor records are advised, with suspected cases requiring immediate APHA notification. Game releases remain prohibited in disease control zones.

Timing and impact

The additional measures come amid ongoing debate about the stringency of bird flu restrictions, with some considering current rules overly strict. For both large commercial shoots and smaller operations with volunteer or part-time managers, these requirements represent significant operational considerations during an already demanding season.

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