Avian influenza protection measures lifted

The Chief Veterinary Officers from Scotland, England and Wales have advised poultry keepers to remain vigilant after the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was lifted on 15 May 2021. The mandatory enhanced biosecurity requirements, brought in as part of the AIPZ on 11 November 2020, and the additional biosecurity measures introduced on 31 March 2021, were aimed at protecting flocks from avian influenza circulating in wild birds. The risk of bird flu in poultry with good biosecurity has been reduced to low.

The Scottish Government has advised that the risk to human health from the H5N8 virus strain is low, and the same risk from H5N2, H5N5 and H5N1 virus strains is very low. Food standards bodies also advise that avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, as it does not affect the consumption of poultry products, including eggs.

Source: Scottish Government, 14 May 2021