Restrictions to stop the spread of bird flu will be lifted this week.
The Government has announced that mandatory prevention zones, introduced in November, will be lifted tomorrow, Tuesday, at noon.
The risk of avian flu in poultry has now reduced to low from medium.
The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu with over 130 cases confirmed across the country since late October.
Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “Now we are in the summer months and experiencing higher temperatures, the risk to poultry has now been reduced across Great Britain and so the time is right to lift the prevention zones.
“This would not have been possible without the hard work of all bird keepers, who have upheld high biosecurity standards for many months. However, there are still localised areas of risk as we have seen recently, and therefore it’s vital that everyone keeps biosecurity and cleanliness at the forefront of their minds to keep their flocks safe.”
However, all poultry gatherings, including at fairs, shows and markets, remain banned, due to a large number of flocks mixing together and the risk posed by any infections spreading across the country.
Poultry keepers are advised to keep a close watch on their birds for signs of disease and remain vigilant.
Advice includes:
- Cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- Reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
- Thoroughly cleansing and disinfecting housing on a continuous basis
- Keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
- Minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
