Biosecurity vital as avian flu is found in pheasants

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has identified cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5 in wild birds, including pheasants, in Wychavon in Worcestershire. 

In addition, gulls and skuas in the Shetland Islands and one gull in Northumberland have been confirmed to have been infected with HPAI. 

Almost no wild birds have been detected with the disease since April. Because released pheasants are classed as wild, no disease control zones have been instigated. 

Tim Weston, the National Gamekeepers’ Organisations director for environment, policy and politics, said: “The finding of AI in wild birds recently was unfortunate, but it also shows that the sector’s biosecurity measures have worked, as there has been no known onward transmission of the disease. Wild birds can spread AI, as we saw in the outbreak a few years ago. However, if we all take extra biosecurity measures and are especially vigilant — whether we are keepers, Guns, beaters or others who play their part on a shoot day — we can reduce the likelihood of further transmission.” 

A recent HPAI outbreak in Germany, near the Czech Republic border, has also been confirmed.