NFU welcomes 'prompt action' as one Shropshire business reveals impact of bird flu restrictions

NFU Poultry Board Chair James Mottershead was reacting after the government revealed new strict bird flu restrictions have been put in place across England, including in Shropshire,  which is now subject to an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory housing and biosecurity measures for any kept birds.  

The highly contagious avian influenza virus is currently circulating in wild birds in the UK and their risk to poultry and other captive birds is currently assessed as being very high, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

Cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, were found at Griffiths Family Farms, part of Oaklands Farm Eggs near Wem last week.

Mr Mottershead said: “The NFU Poultry Board met last week and supported the introduction of a GB wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone which would introduce mandatory biosecurity measures for all bird keepers.

“The NFU also requested the government to implement GB wide housing measures which would be an important part of a suite of measures to help prevent any further outbreaks of this devastating disease.

 “We are pleased the government has acted promptly on this issue to protect the national flock with an AIPZ being implemented across England and Scotland with Welsh Government expected to follow shortly." 

"While housing measures have been extended into Shropshire, York and North Yorkshire, we urge the respective governments to keep this under constant review and extend this requirement where necessary.

 “Outbreaks of avian influenza can put huge emotional and financial strain on farming families. Farmers take such care to protect the health and welfare of their birds and it’s devastating to see that compromised.

 “In light of cases of avian influenza being confirmed and the increased risk levels for both wild birds and poultry, I urge all bird keepers, regardless of their size or location, to remain vigilant, maintain stringent biosecurity measures and report any signs of disease in their birds at the earliest opportunity.”

The AIPZ came into force for the whole of England and Scotland at noon on Saturday in a bid to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and other captive birds.

A new housing order was issued for Shropshire following an outbreak in the county and came into force on Monday.

It is now a legal requirement for all bird keepers in  England to follow strict rules to protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu – including keeping birds indoors.

A Defra spokesperson added the department is not currently expecting overall egg supplies to be affected, but that they are “working closely with industry to monitor the impacts of the outbreak”.

The bird flu case in Shropshire has had an impact on local businesses such as Shropshire Falconry, which provides bird experiences at events including weddings and whose team visit schools and other locations.   

Steve Cross, Managing Director, said the business was having to cancel events, leading to a loss of income and he's hoping to hear some clarification soon. 

"Our close proximity to the outbreak meant they out up a 3km protection zone, and we are a kilometre away," he said.  

"So we are waiting for Defra to come and do a clinical inspection.  

"Process and procedures have to kick in and  we have to have disinfected baths now and we have to spray all of the car wheels. We are not allowed people on site so literally the business has closed . 

"We can't do anything, go to schools or shows, and we have weddings we are due to attend where our birds deliver the ring. 

"But all my life consists of for the time being is cancelling things and refunding people. 

Every day, people are ringing me asking for us to do something for them, such as for Valentine's Day and half term, but I'm not sure I am available to help them. 

"We are carrying out all of the biosecurity measures but we are waiting for clarification.    

"It's worrying at the moment, both in terms of the birds and the business because it will be hard to carry on, long term, without any income.

"We are hoping it gets sorted out but the fear is if another incidence of bird flu crops up in the county, the time period before they lift the AIPZ, could become two or three months and then what do we do?"  

What Shropshire Council have said 

Councillor Chris Schofield, cabinet member for planning and regulatory services said:  "Shropshire is being added to the locations where these measures apply because we need everyone to work together to help prevent the spread of avian flu. 

"I ask anyone involved in poultry farming in Shropshire to adhere strictly to make sure their birds are housed and they follow biosecurity measures to prevent any further spread.”

Flock keepers are being asked to look for any signs of diseases whilst ensuring good levels of biosecurity at their premises. 

Signs of Bird Flu include  unusual quietness, decreased activity levels, decreased levels of vocalisation or decreased levels of feed,  water consumption or egg production.

Farmers concerned about the health of animals, are asked to seek advice from a vet.

Advice for bird keepers

It is currently a legal requirement to register all flocks of birds in order that information can be sent to you. 

Registration of flocks can be completed by going to: www.gov.uk/bird-flu

There are some simple measures poultry keepers should take to protect their birds against the threat of avian flu. 

These include:

1. Keep the area where birds live clean and tidy, control rats and mice and regularly clean and disinfect any hard surfaces.

2. Keep chickens and turkeys completely separate from ducks and geese.

3. Conduct regular maintenance checks on their sheds.

4. Clean moss off the roofs, empty gutters and remove vegetation between sheds where birds are kept.

5. Draw up contingency plans for storing bedding and dealing with pests.

6. Place birds’ feed and water in fully enclosed areas that are protected from wild birds, and remove any spilled feed regularly.

7. Put fencing around outdoor areas where birds are allowed and limit their access to ponds or areas visited by wild waterfowl.

8. Clean and disinfect footwear before and after entering premises where birds are kept.

What the British Poultry council has said: 

BPC Chief Executive, Richard Griffiths, said: "We continue to work closely with Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to ensure full vigilance on poultry sites to minimise risk. 

"We urge all poultry keepers to continue implementing rigorous biosecurity measures while looking out for signs of the disease."