‘Bird gatherings’ ban as avian flu intensifies 

The Government has announced a ban on bird gatherings such as fairs, markets and shows, in an effort to stop the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. 

The ban includes ducks, geese, swans, pheasants, partridges, quail, chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl. The move is in response to the spread of the virus across multiple areas. 

The Government classifies bird gatherings as bird fairs, markets, shows, sales, exhibitions and some premises used for dealing or internet sales. Vehicles used to transport a collection of live birds from multiple premises are also considered gatherings. To date there have been 35 confirmed cases of bird flu in England during the latest outbreak. 

The virus can spread through droppings and saliva or contaminated food and water. Vaccinations against bird flu are not allowed in the UK except in zoos, but several farming organisations have urged the Government to change the rules to allow inoculations. 

Tim Weston, director of environment, policy and politics for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, told ST: “Wild birds have continued to test positive for avian influenza over the past month or so. This is not entirely unexpected as migration starts to shift in the other direction. 

“Birdkeepers need to be vigilant and aware, and make sure they stick to high levels of biosecurity around laying flocks and understand the rules imposed on them at both a local and national level.” 

Dominic Boulton, game sector representative at Defra’s National Avian Disease Core Group, said: “Tighter restrictions are only to be expected now that we are into the worst part of the avian influenza calendar. 

“General Licences permitting bird gatherings in England, Wales and Scotland have now been withdrawn. Bird gatherings in this context are defined as any situation or event where birds from multiple sources are brought to a single site and subsequently dispersed to multiple premises. This can potentially affect catching-up, as on larger shoots this would be a possibility. 

“Although the catching-up season has now finished in England and Wales, birds that have been quarantined for the statutory 21 days will be moving on to pastures new for the next couple of weeks, so this could still be relevant to some in the game sector. 

“All bird movements into or out of disease control zones now require a licence from the Animal and Plant Health Agency. This will also apply to hatching eggs, so it will become relevant for a lot more people in the next few weeks as we transition into the laying season.”