Gainsborough Town Council Allotments

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is in force across Great Britain.

This means, that if you keep birds anywhere in Great Britain (whether they are pet birds, a commercial farm or just a few birds in a backyard flock) you must follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.

You are no longer required to house your birds. However, you must continue to house your poultry and other captive birds if they are in a Protection Zone or Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone. For details of the cases and the measures that apply in the disease control zones in England, see the avian influenza: cases and disease control zones in England guidance.

Failure to comply with the AIPZ is an offence and risks the health and welfare of your birds.

The AIPZ in England means that if you keep birds, you must:

  • cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
  • reduce 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 cleanse and disinfect 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

To help you comply with the rules, we’ve updated the biosecurity advice 

Source: Avian influenza (bird flu) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)