Bird flu continues to spread to birds in the UK and Europe

The Netherlands has reported several infections in ducks and chickens in four provinces in recent weeks.

Poland has recorded several outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5N1, resulting in the loss of about 650,000 birds spreading across Europe.

Another H5N1 HPAI was confirmed in the UK in early November at a small farm near Bidford, Warwickshire, and at a small animal sanctuary near Frinton-on-Sea, Tendring, Essex.

More and more wild birds in the UK have been found to be infected with the virus.

In total, there were 12 findings in week 44, and six findings in the previous week.

The Netherlands has reported a number of infections on duck farms and laying hens in four provinces in recent weeks, most recently chickens in Ludgecast.

Four wild foxes were found in the natural reserve in the southeast of the country.

In France, authorities have announced a nationwide housing order – a regional requirement for raising birds that has been in effect since September.

Wild birds

There are already five confirmed cases of HPAI H5N1 on farms in the UK, but the Bidford explosion is only considered in commercial facilities, which could have an impact on international trade.

Defra’s latest wild bird survey says ten wild birds were diagnosed with AI in the past week.

A bird flu prevention zone (AIPZ) was declared across the UK on November 3, legalizing biosecurity.

AIPZ

Leading veterinarians in the UK, Scotland and Wales said in a joint statement: “Following the bird flu outbreak in Great Britain, AIPZ has been declared across Great Britain.

“This means that all poultry farmers must act now to prevent the spread of the disease to commercial birds and other domestic birds.

“Even if you only have a few or thousands of birds, you are now legally obligated to introduce high biological safety standards on your farm or small property.”