Flockdown comes to an end

Wednesday 18 May 2022

The States have announced that a requirement for enhanced biosecurity measures for poultry has been revoked after a decline in the risk of a local outbreak of avian influenza, or bird flu.

Poultry keepers are still being advised to maintain good levels of biosecurity and to keep their details registered with the States Veterinary Officers.

A law was brought into effect earlier this year following the avian influenza epidemic in the UK and Europe. The Order was due to end on 1 January 2023, but the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure has now decided to revoke it.

The revocation of the law now has effect in Guernsey, Herm, and Jethou:

• Flocks will no longer need to be registered with the States Veterinary Officers, however a voluntary register will remain active on a consent basis, 
• housing and biosecurity measures will not be legally required, although good biosecurity is still advised,   
• measures no longer need to be taken in relation to birds imported from 'outbreak' territories, and 
• events involving the gathering of birds will no longer be prohibited.  

Pictured: Two cases of bird flu were initially recorded in Jersey earlier this year, with a pair of dead wild buzzards confirmed to have died from the H5N1 strain of the virus. 

David Chamberlain, the States’ Veterinary Officer, expressed delight that the measures were able to be revoked ahead of time.

“However, it is highly likely that bird flu will reoccur yearly and therefore we want to stress the need to still maintain good biosecurity measures. For example, only keeping as many birds as you can safely house in the event of an outbreak,” said Mr Chamberlain.

“We are also still recommending poultry keepers to voluntarily register their details with us so that we can notify them of important developments and directly distribute the latest guidance. Knowing the numbers and locations of poultry on-island will also help us in the event of a future outbreak."

Poultry keeper’s who wish for the States Veterinary Officers to retain their information are asked to contact them by 31 May 2022, otherwise, the data will be removed 

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