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Guidance
Avian influenza (bird flu)
How to spot avian influenza (bird flu), what to do if you suspect it, measures to prevent it, Prevention Zones declared on 6 December, and recent cases.
Avian influenza (bird flu) mainly affects birds. It can also affect humans and other mammals.
Some strains of avian influenza cause a notifiable disease. If you suspect any strain of avian flu you must tell your nearest Animal and Plant and Health Agency (APHA) office immediately. Failure to do so is an offence.
If you keep poultry, you should keep a close watch on them for signs of disease, and maintain high levels of biosecurity at all times. If you have any concerns about the health of your poultry, seek prompt advice from your vet. Sign up to our Alerts Service to keep up to date with the latest news.
You must register your poultry if you have flocks of 50 or more birds. This also helps us to contact you during an outbreak of disease.
Latest situation
Other cases
On 23 December the H5N8 strain of avian flu was found in two wild birds in England - dead wild wigeons from Somerset and Leicestershire - and also in a dead wild peregrine falcon in Scotland. This follows the same disease being found on 22 December in a dead wild wigeon in Wales. It’s the same strain which has been circulating in mainland Europe and which was found at a poultry farm in Lincolnshire on 16 December, although there is no suggestion the disease has spread from that farm.
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has reminded poultry keepers and the public to remain vigilant, to follow our clear advice on biosecurity, and to comply fully with the prevention zone and temporary gatherings ban, announced earlier this month. The risk to kept birds cannot be eliminated by housing alone. This virus can be carried into buildings on people and things to infect birds. Good biosecurity measures are essential. We also need people to continue to report findings of dead wild birds so that we can investigate.
Case in Lincolnshire, December 2016
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the strain H5N8 was confirmed in turkeys on a poultry farm near Louth in Lincolnshire on 16 December 2016. All birds at the premises have died or have been humanely culled to limit the risk of disease spread. An investigation is underway to understand the origin of the disease and to confirm that there are no further cases.
A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected farm. Within these zones, restrictions are in place to prevent the spread of disease. These are additional to the restrictions already required under the Avian Influenza Prevention Zones in place across the United Kingdom. The additional measures mean that:
- all premises with poultry and/or captive birds within the Protection and Surveillance Zones must continue to house their birds, where practicable
- the movement of birds, mammals and other things, such as carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure on or off premises and out of the Protection and Surveillance Zones are banned (except under licence)
- no gatherings of poultry, nor releases of game birds, are allowed in the Protection and Surveillance Zones
You can read more about the restrictions and movement controls in place in the Protection Zone and Surveillance Zone further down this page.
Our interactive map will help you find out if you live within any restriction zones.
Public Health England advise that the risk to public health is very low. The Food Standards Agency say that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.
Prevention Zones announced on Tuesday 6 December are in place across the UK, and the requirements of these also apply within the Protection and Surveillance Zones in Lincolnshire. Poultry and captive bird keepers should continue to house their birds, where practicable, maintain their biosecurity and keep a close watch on the health of their birds. You can read more about this further down this page.
We have also announced a temporary suspension on gatherings of some species of birds. Similar bans have also been put in place in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
About avian influenza
How to spot avian influenza
There are 2 types of avian influenza.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is the more serious type. It is often fatal in birds. The main clinical signs of HPAI in birds are:
- swollen head
- blue discolouration of neck and throat
- loss of appetite
- respiratory distress such as gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling, rattling
- diarrhoea
- fewer eggs laid
- increased mortality
Clinical signs can vary between species of bird and some species may show minimal clinical signs (ducks and geese).
Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) is usually less serious. It can cause mild breathing problems, but affected birds will not always show clear signs of infection.
The severity of LPAI depends on the type of bird and whether it has any other illnesses.
Anyone who keeps poultry must keep a close watch on them for any signs of disease, and must seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.
How avian influenza is spread
The disease spreads from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces.
The avian influenza virus changes frequently, creating new strains, and there is a constant risk that one of the new strains may spread easily among people. But there is no evidence that any recent strain of avian influenza has been able to spread directly between people.
Avian influenza isn’t an airborne disease.
Prevention Zone
An was made by Defra on 6 December 2016. Declarations have also been made in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The zones mean extra biosecurity measures for all poultry and captive birds to protect them from the risk from wild birds. The zones covering the whole of Great Britain will remain in place until 6 January 2017.
The zones require the immediate and compulsory housing of domestic chickens, hens, turkeys and ducks, or where this is not practical, their complete separation from contact with wild birds. For farmed geese, gamebirds and other captive birds, keepers should take practical steps to keep these birds separate from wild birds.
We have taken this action because of the increased risk of avian influenza (bird flu) in the UK. During the autumn of 2016, outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza of subtype H5N8 have been found in poultry and wild birds in several countries across Europe. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely.
The Prevention Zones help reduce the risk of poultry coming into contact with wild birds which that could carry the virus, or with their droppings. They also reduce the potential for any food or water that poultry use to become contaminated by wild birds. Even when birds are housed there is still a risk of infection, which is why there is an ongoing need for good biosecurity.
Poultry keepers must continue to follow the existing animal welfare rules.
Biosecurity
If you keep poultry you must keep a close watch on them for any signs of disease. If you have any concerns about their health, you must quickly seek advice from your vet.
All bird keepers must now take extra biosecurity steps, including:
- minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and wild birds
- making sure that feed and water can’t be accessed by wild birds
- taking all reasonable precautions to avoid the transfer of contamination between premises, including cleansing and disinfection of equipment, vehicles and footwear
- reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry or captive birds are kept
- implementing effective vermin control programmes around buildings where poultry or captive birds are kept
- thoroughly cleansing and disinfecting housing and equipment at the end of a production cycle
- keeping Defra-approved disinfectant at the right concentration at key points such as farm entrances and entrances to bird houses
Poultry keepers should read our detailed information about how to house their birds and keep them separate from wild birds, and about the extra biosecurity measures:
Backyard flocks
The Prevention Zones require all poultry and captive birds, including backyard flocks and other captive birds, to be housed or, where it is not practicable to do so, require steps to be taken to keep them separate from wild birds. If you keep your birds near your home, consider housing them in alternative accommodation, such as a garden building, a garage or redundant building that could be adapted to house them temporarily.
Remember to check for, and remove, hazardous and toxic substances such as rat bait, and make sure the birds have access to water and somewhere to perch. You must also practice good biosecurity - for example disinfecting footwear and equipment and washing clothing after contact with birds.
If you’re concerned about backyard flocks which haven’t been housed or kept separate, then the owner may not yet be aware of the requirement; you can contact your local Trading Standards team if you’re still concerned.
Free range
Under the 31 day housing restriction, birds and eggs are still considered free range provided they meet all other requirements. Declaring a Prevention Zone means birds can be housed for up to 12 weeks and still maintain their free range status. The 12 week limit applies to individual birds/batches not premises as a whole.
Pigeons or birds of prey
You can still fly pigeons or birds of prey, but you should try to prevent them from making direct contact with (or catching) wildfowl. Keep a close watch on the health of your birds.
Game birds and shoots
Shoots have not been banned in the Prevention Zone.
If game birds are kept captive, they are covered by the prevention zone rules. Once game birds have been released they are classified as wild birds. The person who released the game birds is no longer classed as the ‘keeper’ of the birds.
Where released game birds continue to be fed and watered this can continue, though you should make reasonable efforts to minimise the chance of other wild birds accessing their feed and water. You should use commercial feed and fresh or treated water.
Advice for the public
Public health
Some strains of avian influenza can pass to humans, but this is very rare. It usually requires very close contact between the human and infected birds. Based on what we know about the H5N8 strain, the risk to public health is considered very low. There have never been any recorded cases of H5N8 in humans.
The Food Standards Agency advise that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
More information on avian influenza in people is available from Public Health England.
If you employ people who work with poultry or work with poultry yourself, you can also read Health and Safety Executive advice on protecting workers from avian influenza.
Wild birds
If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77).
Movement controls and licences
This is a summary of restrictions and movement controls in place in relation to the case of H5N8 HPAI in Lincolnshire in December 2016. Definitive information is contained in the .
Where general or specific licences are available in relation to movements of poultry or poultry meat, they will be listed in further sections below.
Infected premises
A 10 km Surveillance Zone and an inner Protection Zone of 3 km are in place. A detailed breakdown of the restrictions in place is contained in the declaration.
Restrictions already imposed at suspicion stage remain in force. Susceptible animals have been humanely culled. Their carcases and any other contaminated material are being disposed of and initial cleansing and disinfection is being carried out.
Protection Zone:
If your premises is within a 3 km radius of the affected premises you must:
- continue to keep poultry and other captive birds in their buildings or isolated from other poultry, captive birds and wild birds
- not move poultry or other captive birds without a licence (exceptions apply for pet animals)
- not move pigs or other mammals susceptible to avian influenza on or off premises where poultry or other captive birds are kept without a licence
- ensure that all bird carcases are disposed of in accordance with veterinary instructions – unless they are seized or disposed of by a veterinary inspector
- ensure that appropriate biosecurity measures are in place for people entering or leaving any premises where poultry, other captive birds or eggs are kept
- not spread poultry litter, manure and slurry or remove these from your premises
- not have bird gatherings or release game birds
- not move eggs without a licence - however table eggs may be moved to wholesale, retail premises or subsequent movements (such as when purchased by a consumer)
- not move poultry meat within or outside of the zone except in accordance with specific rules set out below
- cleanse and disinfect vehicles which may be contaminated
- keep specified records eg poultry movements and visitor records
- continue to implement the requirements set out in the
All premises within the Protection Zone are also in the Surveillance Zone (and the following restrictions also apply).
Surveillance Zone:
If your premises is within a 10km radius of the affected premises, you must:
- continue to keep poultry and other captive birds in their buildings or isolated from other poultry, captive birds and wild birds
- not move poultry or other captive birds on or off premises where other birds are kept (exceptions apply for pet animals) without a licence
- not move pigs or other mammals susceptible to avian influenza to or from places where poultry or other captive birds are kept without a licence
- ensure that appropriate biosecurity measures are in place for people entering or leaving any premises where poultry, other captive birds or eggs are kept
- not spread poultry litter, manure and slurry or remove these from your premises
- not have bird gatherings or release game birds
- not move poultry and eggs out of the zone without a licence - however table eggs may be moved to wholesale, retail premises or subsequent movements (such as when purchased by a consumer)
- cleanse and disinfect vehicles which may be contaminated
- keep specified records eg poultry movements and visitor records
- continue to implement the requirements set out in the
Bird gatherings (such as shows or exhibitions) and the release of game birds are banned
Cleansing and disinfection of vehicles and instruments which may be contaminated must be carried out as soon as materials are unloaded. Vehicles leaving premises within the zone must also be cleaned and disinfected before departing.
General licences
General licences allow a movement or activity that would otherwise be prohibited. You need to check that you meet and comply with the conditions of the general licence. If you do so, you don’t need to apply - you can rely on the general licence as providing authority for the movement or activity.
The following general licences are currently available:
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EXD249 and EXD264 for food business operators – see ‘Meat from poultry within the Protection Zone’ below
Specific licences
If you need to move something that is restricted in the PZ or SZ you should apply now to APHA so that your application can be considered. Please fill in the and send it by email to APHA at outbreak.licensing@apha.gsi.gov.uk (please ignore instructions on the form about signing it and sending it by post).
If a licence is issued, it will allow a one-off movement and be subject to certain conditions based on disease control risk. Specific licences which are currently being issued on request include:
- movement of poultry from the PZ or SZ to slaughter
- movements of pullets within the SZ only
Meat from poultry within the Protection Zone
Food business operators have to follow some specific rules for any meat produced from poultry or farmed game birds originating within the Protection Zone. We do this to reduce animal health risks. Other poultry meat (that is, from poultry not originating within the Protection Zone) is unaffected.
Meat from poultry or farmed game birds originating within the Protection Zone can be moved or sold, subject to a number of conditions. These include a requirement that the health mark is replaced with a specific mark (approved by the Secretary of State in any particular disease outbreak) which must remain with it throughout any processing or repackaging. These conditions are set out in General Licence EXD249. Under some specific circumstances – set out in General Licence EXD 264 – the recipient of poultry meat is permitted to remove the specific mark temporarily for production, and in some circumstance not to re-apply it.
The legal requirements are set out in each General Licence but we’ve also published a more detailed explanation of the rules and how they work.
Bird fairs, markets, shows and other gatherings
All markets, fairs, shows, exhibitions or other gatherings of birds (regardless of species) are banned within the Protection and Surveillance Zones declared on 16 December 2016 in East Lindsey, Lincolnshire.
For the following species of birds, markets, fairs, shows, exhibitions or other gatherings are banned in England from 20 December 2016 (they are no longer covered by the general licence on bird gatherings) until further notice:
- birds of the family galliforme (including pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey)
- birds of the family anseriforme (including ducks, geese, swans)
- birds that are reared or kept in captivity for the production of meat or eggs for consumption, the production of other commercial products, for restocking supplies of game or for the purposes of any breeding programme for the production of these categories of birds
Similar bans have also been put in place in Wales and Scotland.
For pigeons, aviary birds and certain other captive pet birds (strictly, columbiformes, passerines and psittaciformes), gatherings are only permitted (outside the Protection and Surveillance Zones) subject to strict general licence conditions.
We have published guidance on how to follow the general licence conditions for a bird gathering, and biosecurity advice for bird gathering organisers and participants.
The collection of wild game birds is not affected by these measures.
Compensation
You may be entitled to compensation if your poultry are killed under orders from government or APHA in the event of a disease outbreak. Owners are not entitled to compensation following the declaration of the Prevention Zone.
Trade, import and export issues
We summarise any current issues for UK poultry and poultry product exports on our topical issues page. We also have a collection of guidance and forms for importing and exporting live animals or animal products.
Exports and EU Trade
As soon as disease was confirmed in Lincolnshire in December 2016, we put in place measures in accordance with Council Directive 2005/94/EC. A Protection Zone (PZ) of 3 km and Surveillance Zone (SZ) of 10 km are in place. No trade has been allowed from the affected premises since it was put under restriction. We are assessing the wider impact on international trade. We are tracing all recent movements from the infected premises.
Imports from the EU
You can’t import poultry and poultry products into the UK from within Protection Zones and Surveillance Zones imposed around confirmed cases of avian flu within other EU countries.
EU trade relies on strict certification for movement of live poultry, day old chicks and hatching eggs. Products such as poultry meat, table eggs and poultry products are not subject to certification within the EU.
Recent cases
Information about the case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the strain H5N8, confirmed in turkeys on a poultry farm near Louth in Lincolnshire on 16 December 2016, is set out above.
A case of low severity (H5N1) avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed by the Scottish authorities on a poultry breeding farm in Dunfermline on 13 January 2016. Restrictions around the affected site were lifted on 11 February 2016. We have published an epidemiological report summarising our investigations into the case.
A case of H7N7 avian flu was confirmed near Preston, Lancashire on 13 July 2015. A low severity case of H7N7 was confirmed on 2 February 2015 in chickens at a farm in Hampshire. A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 was confirmed on 16 November 2014 in ducks on premises in East Yorkshire. Restrictions around the affected sites were lifted on 16 August 2015, 28 February 2015, and 21 December 2014, respectively. We have published reports about the investigations we carried out. Earlier papers about these cases are available on the National Archives website.
Control strategy
Disease control strategy
Cases of avian influenza, if they occur, are controlled by following the contingency plan for exotic notifiable diseases and the notifiable avian disease control strategy. You can read what happens when a notifiable disease is suspected or confirmed.
Legislation on avian influenza
The legislation covering avian influenza includes:
- The Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No.2) Order 2006
- The Avian Influenza (H5N1 in Poultry) (England) Order 2006
- The Avian Influenza (H5N1 in Wild Birds) (England) Order 2006
- The Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (England) Regulations 2006
Enforcement
Avian influenza controls are enforced by local authorities.
Penalties for offences
Breach of controls is an offence, with a penalty of up to £5,000 on summary conviction and up to 3 months’ imprisonment per offence.