Avian Influenza: New Government Guidance on Mitigation in England and Wales

DEFRA and the Welsh Government have set out their policies and approach towards avian influenza in wild birds in their joint publication of 31 August 2022. Guidance to landowners, managers and organisations responsible for areas to which the public have access includes: preparing contingency plans in the event of an outbreak; communication and signage warning of the hazards of avian influenza and how people can protect themselves, kept and wild birds; and improved biosecurity.

In a separate announcement, DEFRA has declared an avian influenza protection zone in Devon, Cornwall and parts of Somerset. Poultry keepers are required to follow strict biosecurity measures, regardless of the flock size.