Avian Influenza
Avian influenza (bird flu) viruses can be classified according to their ability to cause severe disease (pathogenicity) as either highly pathogenic or low pathogenic. For further detail please see our section on the significance of the different subtypes of AI.
The best defence - as with all exotic animal diseases - is a high level of awareness and good biosecurity. This page provides information on the disease and the precautions that can be taken to minimise the risk of its introduction and spread.
This web area is dedicated to the animal health issues of avian influenza. For information regarding influenza and human health go to the Human Health - Avian and Pandemic Flu pages. The Human Health pages include a leaflet on advice on protecting the health of Poultry Workers.
Current Situation
On Thursday 10th January Defra announced that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 had been confirmed in three mute swans in Dorset. The swans were sampled as part of the routine wild bird surveillance programme. Several more swans and a goose from the same area also tested positive in following weeks. No spread of the disease to domestic poultry occurred.
As required by EU legislation for HPAI H5N1 findings, Defra placed a 3km Wild Bird Control Area and a 10km Wild Bird Monitoring Area around the site where the birds were found. On 5th March the Control Area was merged with the Monitoring Area and the Monitoring Area reduced. On 27th March the Monitoring Area and all associated disease restrictions were lifted. More details can be seen on the Defra website ( www.defra.gov.uk).
In November 2007, highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) was confirmed on two poultry farms in Suffolk. The outbreak was contained, and Defra lifted the Protection, Surveillance and Restricted Zones on 19th December.
Poultry keepers and businesses are reminded of the importance of maintaining biosecurity in their flocks and being vigilant to any signs of disease in their birds. Any suspicion of disease must be reported to your local Animal Health Office without delay. Gatherings of poultry and other captive birds are currently permitted to take place in Scotland, subject to conditions specified in a general licence.
Surveillance
A series of surveillance programmes is being conducted as part of an EU-wide early warning system. Members of the public can help with surveillance for avian influenza by reporting dead wildfowl in priority surveillance areas to the GB Wild Bird Surveillance Helpline.
Contingency Plans
In the event of avian influenza occurring in Scotland, we would activate Scotland's Avian Influenza Contingency Plan. This co-ordinates with the well-established contingency plans held by every local Animal Health Divisional Office and is designed to ensure the rapid control and eradication of avian influenza in Scotland.
Great Britain Poultry Register
There is a legal requirement for all commercial poultry keepers with 50 or more birds to register their premises. The voluntary registration of premises with less than 50 birds is welcomed. For further information on how to register go to the link at Great Britain Poultry Register ( www.defra.gov.uk).
Further queries