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Avian Influenza
Avian Influenza advice
Avian Influenza (AI) is a disease of animals caused by influenza A viruses. As the situation is ever changing, we've collated the latest updates and our most important resources.
If you are based in Northern Ireland, please refer to the DAERA website for guidance.
Latest updates
December 2022
Defra has launched a 24/7 online reporting system for the public to report dead wild birds across Great Britain. The new system has been developed in response to the ongoing Avian Influenza outbreak and will provide a simpler and quicker way of reporting dead wild bird sightings. Please note - this will not replace the Defra helpline, which will remain available to the public at 034 5933 5577.
November 2022
APHA has issued a new guidance note on the use of antigen tests to detect Avian Influenza, along with clarification on interpretation and reporting. Vets are being asked to carefully consider the use of influenza tests during the current AI outbreak, and make sure that colleagues and clients are aware of their responsibilities for reporting suspicion of notifiable avian disease.
April 2023
- Following the latest assessment of risk level, Defra have announced that poultry and other captive birds in England and Wales can be let outside from 18 April 2023 unless in a 3km protection zone.
- Bird flu restrictions are set to be lifted in Northern Ireland on 18 April 2023. Please continue to follow advice from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on biosecruity.
July 2023
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a new digital way for the reporting of dead wild birds in a bid to further enhance the Northern Ireland Avian Influenza (AI) surveillance program.
August 2023
The Animal & Plant Health Agency has released new guidance for owners on how to keep pets safe from Avian Influenza.
December 2023
The Exotic Disease (Amendment) (England) Order 2023 has come into force in England and introduces amendments to The Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No.2) Order 2006. GOV.UK guidance on avian influenza diagnostic testing and influenza infections in mammals have been updated to reflect the legislative changes.
Avian Influenza guidance for vets
We’ve worked with colleagues at BVZS, BVPA, and BSAVA to develop guidance for veterinary professionals presented with backyard poultry or wild birds, following recent outbreaks of Avian Influenza across the UK. The guidance includes clinical signs to look out for, how to examine suspected cases, next steps, and how to report.
Latest version: March 2024
Useful resources
- Vet Record: veterinarians’ knowledge and experience of avian influenza and perspectives on control measures in the UK
- Triage tool for pet and backyard poultry (Reference: Vet Times article by APHA and Henrietta Kodilinye-Sims)
- Bird flu (Avian Influenza): findings in non-avian wildlife
- BVPA: backyard poultry bio-security advice
- HSE: working with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
- FVE/PVSGEU joint webinar on highly pathogenic avian influenza preparedness