Final 'flockdown' bird flu measures are lifted

Tuesday 22 August 2023

A zone restricting the movement of birds, mammals, poultry and eggs around the island has been lifted after no evidence of further Avian Influenza cases was found.

The Government announced the change today, following the completion of "surveillance activities" carried out after a spate of cases were identified.

A 3km radius "protection zone" was introduced around the Archirondel area in July to stop the spread of Avian Influenza or "bird flu", requiring all domestic birds in the area to be kept inside enclosures with impermeable roofs and sides.

This was lifted earlier this month, but a "surveillance zone" covering the whole island - which restricted the movement of poultry and eggs among other measures - remained in force, until now.

Announcing the lifting of the zone, the Government said: "Following the completion of all surveillance activities within the 10km surveillance zone and finding no evidence of further cases of Avian Influenza in kept and wild birds, the surveillance zone was lifted on Tuesday 22 August 2023 at 00:01.

"There is no longer an obligation to comply with the requirements of the surveillance zone, for example a licence is no longer required to move birds and mammals in and out of a premises with poultry."

ADVICE...

Those who come across wild birds that have died suddenly and without an obvious explanation can report them to the Natural Environment team via an online form.

Birdkeepers must immediately report any suspicious symptoms of avian influenza in their own flocks to Natural Environment on 01534 441600.

The full rules and restrictions are available on online.