**AVIAN INFLUENZA VACCINATION**

In the UK, it is not yet possible to vaccinate your geese or other poultry against avian influenza. However, the government has moved a step closer and has ordered a stockpile of vaccine.

For further information see Defra's website;

Avian Influenza - DEFRA's Vaccination Policy


**AVIAN INFLUENZA REGISTER OF KEEPERS**

The goverment is compiling a register of all poultry keepers in England, Scotland and Wales.

All keepers of geese and other poultry must register if you have more than 50 birds and you sell or supply birds or their eggs or other products or if you show birds. However, if all your geese and other poultry and their eggs are kept by you for your own consumption, or as pets, you will not be required to register.

The register is still open, and is also open to voluntary registration if you keep less than 50 birds.

You can register by phone, post or on-line.

For further information see Defra's website;

Avian Influenza - DEFRA's Register


**SEPARATING FLOCKS FROM WILD BIRDS**

The goverment has now produced information on how to protect your geese etc from disease brought in by wild birds

Avian Influenza - Separating Flocks from Wild Birds


**AVIAN INFLUENZA PRECAUTIONS**

The Government has been reviewing, both domestically and at EU level, the precautions that can be taken against Avian Influenza. They are now asking keepers to:

  • ensure that they feed and water birds indoors wherever possible to avoid attracting wild birds onto their premises;
  • review their biosecurity;
  • plan ahead for the possibility of other measures being brought in. These measures MAY include keeping birds indoors or under netting, preventing access to water where wild birds are found, and keeping waterfowl separate from other fowl.
  • be vigilant.

They have now prepared two leaflets, one aimed at commercial poultry keepers 'Biosecurity and preventing disease' and the other at the smaller or non commercial keeper 'Protect your birds from the risk of Avian Influenza'. The guidance highlights the need for continuing high levels of vigilance to detect the early signs of disease with any suspicion of disease reported to the State Veterinary Service and for a general increase in the level of biosecurity on all holdings with poultry and other birds.

They are also now asking commercial poultry keepers to carry out on-farm risk assessments with their private vet to make sure they have done everything possible to minimise the risk of avian influenza (and other diseases) entering their flock. The third leaflet 'Advice on assessing risks of Avian Influenza where poultry are kept' will help them to do this.



SHOWS AND SALES

The ban on Shows and Sales involving poultry and waterfowl has been lifted. Events can take place under certain conditions, such as record keeping and keeping returning or new birds separately.

There are still no restrictions on personal sales or on movements of birds within the UK.



Visit the link to DEFRA below for further advice

Avian Influenza - Advice From DEFRA


Back