Avian Flu - updated 18 April 2023
Avian influenza outbreaks Buckinghamshire and Surrey
Mandatory housing measures were lifted on Tuesday 18 April but scrupulous standards of biosecurity remain essential.
Bird flu risk levels have been reduced meaning poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed and can be kept outside, unless they are in a Protection Zone. The decision means that from 18 April, eggs laid by hens with access to outside range areas can return to being marketed as 'Free-Range' eggs.
Visit bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds (GOV.UK), for guidance and regular disease updates.
Legislation exists to protect both human, through the food chain, and animal health. This prevents the introduction of serious, notifiable diseases such as Avian Flu and Foot and Mouth and includes requirements for maintaining records and ensuring livestock are identified. Measures also exist to protect the welfare of livestock, whether on smallholdings, farms, in transit or at abattoirs.
We work with the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the RSPCA, to ensure the above.
This Farm Regulators' Charter sets out what you can expect from a farm visit by a regulator and what your responsibilities are.
If you are a new livestock keeper please ensure that you have obtained a holding number from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) on 03000 200 301 and then a herd/flock number from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (AHPA a DEFRA agency) on 03000 200 301. We will then be notified.
Who to contact
- Livestock keepers in Buckinghamshire or Surrey, contact us on 0300 123 2329 or trading.standards@surreycc.gov.uk
- Animal health emergencies, please note that we no longer operate an out of hours service. To report a notifiable disease in animals or serious welfare problem in farmed animals, please contact Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 03000 200 301
- Pet Travel Scheme helpline 0370 241 1710
- Consumers, contact Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.
Animal Health Newsletter
We have produced this newsletter to bring together all the latest animal health updates in one convenient location for you. Please do take a couple of minutes to have a look and follow the links to further information as needed.
