Guidance for Avian Influenza
There is an early resurgence of Avian Influenza cases this year and one or two falconers have been affected already.
For this reason we remind you all to remain vigilant with your birds and follow the advice on the attached flier.
Avian Influenza and Falconry
Background
Avian Influenza (Avian flu) is a contagious disease occurring naturally in waterfowl, but can affect any bird species (over 100 different species have been identified). Within the U.K and Europe it has predominantly been a disease occuring in Autumn and Winter, carried by wintering water birds during their annual migration. There is a risk it may become endemic in local populations (occurring all year round), again with water birds (ducks, geese, swans) acting as a reservoir for infection.
When an outbreak occurs, it is classified based upon the ability of the virus to cause disease in chickens in a laboratory – low pathogenic causing mild symptoms but high pathogenic causing significant disease and mortality. The pathogenicity of disease in chickens does not necessarily correlate with other birds or raptors. As with influenza virus in humans, there are many different strains that affect different species of birds in different ways, and each year there is the potential for different strains to occur. Due to the significant impact an outbreak can have on the economy of the whole country, the disease is “notifiable” – meaning any suspect case must be reported by law to the authorities for investigation and help stop the potential spread.
Signs of disease and treatment
As with influenza virus in humans, different individuals/species may respond differently to the virus. Water birds are known to act as reservoirs of the virus; they may carry the virus and show no signs of disease at all. Conversely, a raptor may come into contact with the same virus (most commonly through eating an infected bird) and death may be the result. Unfortunately the incubation period (time from contracting the virus to demonstrating signs of disease) can be as little as 24 hours (typically 24-72hrs) and in birds of prey, they are affected so quickly that often the first sign of disease is death.
There is no specific treatment for avian influenza.
2020/21 Outbreak
Raptors have been proven to be highly sensitive to the virus with 7 out of the 22 cases identified in wild birds in the UK during the 2020/21 Winter outbreak being in raptors. In captive birds, there were 22 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, of which 2 (10%) were in captive birds of prey. Investigations into these cases found the source of infection in the captive raptors to be wild sourced waterbirds (ducks) fed to the falcons.
Risk and Prevention
The risks to falconers’ birds from Avian Influenza are generally low. Certain situations and practices can significantly increase these risks however through a few simple steps the risks can be reduced.
1. AVOID WATERFOWL (Ducks)
Ducks may carry the disease and show no signs of being sick. Many falconers will inspect a carcass to look for signs of disease prior to feeding, however with avian influenza these signs can be subtle with nothing specific to indicate disease – even to the most experienced falconer. FREEZING DOES NOT KILL THE VIRUS.
During significant outbreaks (such as 2020/21 season) the Government may issue a directive where contact with wild birds is prohibited by law throughout the whole country. In lesser years, local outbreaks will be monitored and “exclusion zones” put in place where again contact with wild birds is locally prohibited. Falconers are asked to respect these requirements and not hunt any wild bird when/where either of these situations exist. The only safe way to en- sure the risk of disease from wild birds is reduced is to feed only commercially sourced food from a reputable vendor.
2. BIOSECURITY
The virus can exist in the environment and be carried on surfaces other than birds. Falconers should practice good hygiene and biosecurity at all times, but specifically when outbreaks of AI are reported. Changing clothes/footwear from the field to the house can help reduce the risk. Use of footbaths outside birds’ accommodation with the correct disinfectants licensed for use against AI at the correct concentrations (see link for approved disinfectants) will also help reduce the risk of transmission.
Attempts should be taken to reduce the risk of vermin or small wild birds entering the housing. Care should be taken when siting accommodation to ensure they are not attractive to other birds by reducing the proximity to shelter such as trees and bushes and removal of food sources. If this is not possible, thought should be given to use of netting to prevent smaller birds entering the accommodation.
Implications for falconry
Despite the risks being relatively low, falconers must be aware of the implications their actions may incur. Whereas an individual hawk that contracts avian influenza may become sick or die, there is also risk to other birds kept at the premises or having been in contact (including field meets etc). If influenza is confirmed, depending upon the level of risk and mitigating factors, in contact birds may be quarantined for observation or even euthanased as a precaution to prevent spread.
Each confirmed case of avian influenza has implications for the whole country with restrictions on international trade and export being imposed. These implications may run into millions and have significant consequences on the economy.
Falconers have a responsibility towards the welfare of the hawks under their care, but we also all have a responsibility towards the reputation of falconry and ensure our actions do not bring falconry into disrepute.
How to find more information
To sign up for automatic notification of notifiable disease outbreaks please follow the following link:
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKAPHA/subscriber/new?qsp=CODE_RED
Please also refer to the HawkBoard website for regular updates on avian influenza
Karl Jennings
Avian Influenza Guidelines for Housing of Raptors
21 Apr
Written By Hawk Board
Introduction
Government guidance and legislation regarding outbreaks, housing orders and Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZ) can be found by searching gov.uk for “avian influenza”. All legislation must be adhered to.
Almost all AI infection comes from contact with faeces directly or via water.
Air and dust are not so significant.
There can be 10,000 infectious doses in a single dropping.
The source of most infections in captive birds is people transferring infection into enclosures/mews/aviaries on footwear. Thus, the threshold between the outside and the inside of the building or aviary is the area that needs to be focused on, to prevent the infection from entering the building.
Aviary design can also help - solid roofed aviaries are the best at preventing an infection from wild birds. Aviaries should be constructed in should a way to prevent access by wild birds.
The following advice is designed to not only help prevent an outbreak, but if properly documented will help in demonstrating past biosecurity on the site, which will help the authorities in the event of an outbreak.
Record keeping is key. These guidelines should be printed out and kept on the site where the birds are kept. A “day book” (diary) should be present and disinfectant changes etc. recorded. The day book can also record birds arriving or leaving the site.
A document making a case for each bird in the collection should be prepared. The below graphic is a suggested layout for this document and also contains the sort of information that should be included.
It is legal requirement to report the suspicion of an outbreak. Make sure you have an experienced vet’s contact details.
Foot Baths
Footbaths are an invaluable resource when it comes to controlling infection. There are a range of suitable disinfectants available, and they should be DEFRA approved. The list of approved disinfectants can be found by searching gov.uk for “Defra approved disinfectants”
Footbaths should consist of 2 large waterproof containers (big enough to stand in). Liquid levels to be a minimum of 120mm in each. One footbath to contain clean water (to rinse footwear) the second to contain an approved disinfectant to the correct dilution. The water footbath should contain an astroturf footmat to enable proper cleaning of the soles. Cleaning footwear before disinfecting is important as organic matter interferes with the effectiveness of disinfectants.
Footbaths should be located at the entrance to the bird keeping area and immediately outside every aviary block door.
The water and disinfectant needs to be replaced once it becomes contaminated with organic matter.
All visitors should use the footbaths and should wear footwear capable of being immersed in the footbaths; wellingtons are probably the best choice.
Poultry
There should effective separation between raptors and any other bird species kept on site.
Visitors who keep poultry/waterfowl at their homes should be discouraged. If they do then they must shower and change all clothes and footwear immediately before leaving home and have completely separate clothes for their visit. Their visit and the precautions taken should be recorded in the daybook.
Contractors, delivery drivers etc. should be properly supervised to ensure compliance with biosecurity measures and access should be restricted as far as is practical to site.
Suspected AI infection
In the event of a suspected AI infection call your vet and DEFRA
03000 200 301
If DEFRA are suspicious based on the call, they will instigate an immediate lockdown of the site and the site will be closed to visitors.
A DEFRA vet will be dispatched within 30 minutes and arrive on site within 2 hours. If suspicious, tests are implemented, the results will normally be back by the end of the following day.
The decision to cull birds will be based on the same factors, but will also take into account high value birds and biosecurity. This is where both demonstrable biosecurity and associated record keeping will pay dividends.
In the event of an outbreak
In the event that APHA/DEFRA are on site, it should be made abundantly clear to every single APHA/DEFRA representative that raptors are not to be treated the same as commercial poultry.
Spared birds will be tested twice, 21 days apart.
Bird flu: rules in disease control zones in England
8 Jan
Written By Hawk Board
DEFRA Guidance
Find bird flu disease control zones and the rules you must follow in each zone.
If you are not in a zone you should continue to follow guidance to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.
Rules in bird flu disease control zones
Check what zone you’re in on the bird flu disease zone map. By law, you must follow the rules for the disease control zone that you’re in.
If bird flu is suspected, 3km and 10km temporary control zones may be put in place around the infected premises.
If bird flu is confirmed, disease control zones are put in place around the premises to stop it spreading.
When a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (the most serious type of bird flu) has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds, one of the following controls are put in place around the infected premises:
a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone
a 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone
When a case of low pathogenic avian influenza (the less serious type of bird flu) has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds, a 1km restricted zone may be put in place around the infected premises.
Sometimes larger zones are put in place to reduce the risk of bird flu spreading.
There are specific rules for each disease control zone. You can find these in the declarations on the disease cases and control zones finder.
Disease control zones continue to apply until they’re withdrawn or amended by a further declaration. Disease control zones are only lifted when all the disease control and surveillance activities within the zone have been completed.
In all disease control zones, you must:
follow the biosecurity rules to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading
keep a record of anyone that transports or markets poultry or poultry eggs (there are exemptions for table eggs)
follow the rules for marking, sourcing, cutting, transporting and storing fresh meat and meat products
comply with any biosecurity rules imposed by a veterinary inspector
not organise or attend bird gatherings (including bird fairs, markets, shows, sales, exhibitions and some premises used for dealing or internet sales)
not release game birds
3km protection zones and 3km temporary control zones
In 3km protection zones and 3km temporary control zones, you must:
follow the rules for 10km surveillance zones and 10km temporary control zones
keep poultry and other captive birds housed - find out how to house them safely
follow the instructions from your veterinary inspector to dispose of any bird carcasses
not spread poultry litter, manure or slurry, or remove them from your premises
not move poultry or other captive birds onto or off your premises without a licence (there are exceptions for pets)
not move eggs without a licence (you can move table eggs to wholesale or retail premises to be sold directly to consumers)
not move poultry meat inside or outside the zone, unless you follow the rules in the case declaration
Apply for a licence to move eggs or poultry meat.
10km surveillance zones, 10km temporary control zones and 10km restricted zones
If you’re in a 10km surveillance zone or a 10km temporary control zone, you must:
keep a record of all poultry or poultry eggs that enter or leave your premises, except table eggs that are being moved direct to wholesale or retail premises to be sold directly to consumers
not move poultry, other captive birds, or mammals (including pigs) to or from premises where poultry or other captive birds are kept without a licence (there are exceptions for pets)
not spread poultry litter, manure or slurry, or remove them from your premises
Apply for a licence to move poultry, other captive birds, or mammals.
Captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone
If you’re in a captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone, you must:
keep poultry and other captive birds housed - find out how to house them safely
keep a record of all poultry or poultry eggs that enter or leave your premises, except eggs that are being moved direct to wholesale or retail premises to be sold
What happens if you do not follow the rules
You will put your birds at risk of bird flu and they may die.
Bird flu could spread to other premises and areas.
You may also be fined and spend up to 6 months in prison.
If you think someone is not following the rules you should report them to the Local Authority Animal Health Function in Trading Standards.
Sign up for animal disease alerts
To keep up to date with the latest information you can sign up for animal disease alerts from APHA.
Bird flu (avian influenza): housing your birds safely
8 Jan
Written By Hawk Board
DEFRA Guidance
Manage your birds’ housing and welfare when they must be kept inside because of disease outbreaks.
ou may be in a bird flu disease control zone where you must house your birds. Check what zone you’re in and follow the rules.
Housing your birds reduces the risk of contact with wild birds, which can spread bird flu.
You must follow strict biosecurity rules to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.
Welfare of housed birds
Housing your birds during a disease outbreak may impact the welfare of your birds, especially if they’re not used to being housed for long periods.
You are responsible for the welfare of your birds while they’re housed. You should:
make sure they’re not overcrowded (check the recommendations and guidance for poultry)
make sure they have natural light where possible - do not keep them permanently in the dark (during the day you should be able to see your birds clearly and artificial light should follow typical day and night patterns)
monitor the temperature inside the housing - consider installing a thermometer at bird level and do not allow temperatures to go significantly above 21°C
make sure there is enough ventilation
make sure they have enough food and fresh, clean water (clean water-drinkers frequently and do not use standing water as it may have been contaminated by wild birds)
use good quality litter that crumbles easily - you can use damp-proof membranes for earth floors to help keep litter dry
provide enrichment items to prevent boredom like straw bales, shaving bales, low barriers, scattered whole grain, dustbathing boxes, pecking blocks, cabbages, rope and footballs
check them more than once a day to make sure they’re healthy and have enough food, water and dry bedding
avoid sudden changes to their diet – if in doubt, speak to your vet
check for skin parasites like red mite
Consider providing aerial perches for your birds. This helps prevent overcrowding and gives them:
more vertical space
space to move away from pecking by other birds
In Scotland registered laying flocks must have aerial perches.
Welfare of pullets (young hens)
Pullets should be reared in an environment that matches the environment they will live in as adults. If pullets are reared in a range and then confined, it increases the risk of injurious feather pecking.
Pullet suppliers should make any confinement history available to buyers.
Signs of poor welfare and boredom
Look out for:
injurious and aggressive feather pecking
loss of feathers
loss of body weight
If you see signs of feather pecking, you can:
reduce the light (check the recommendations and guidance for poultry)
provide more enrichment items to prevent boredom
mash their food to increase eating time and keep your birds occupied
add nutritional supplements to drinking water to help keep your birds calm
Get advice from your vet or check the FeatherWel website if you have any concerns about welfare.
If you’re a commercial keeper you can also use the benchmarking tool for feather loss from AssureWel and the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC).
Welfare of ducks, geese and game birds
If you’re in a protection zone or captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone you must house ducks, geese and game birds when possible.
If this is not practical, keep them in fully netted areas.
If you cannot house or fully net an outdoor bird area because of unavoidable welfare concerns, you must:
feed and water them undercover
move them away from large bodies of water that attract wildfowl
take steps to discourage wild birds
You must also speak to your private vet and put in writing:
why you cannot house your birds
the steps you are taking to protect them from bird flu
Avoid keeping ducks and geese with other poultry. Ducks and geese often do not show any signs of disease but can still pass it on to other captive birds.
Ducks need access to open water like troughs and buckets. They use them to preen and immerse their heads to keep their eyes, nostrils, beaks and plumage healthy.
To help keep bedding dry, you can:
put open water sources on raised, perforated plastic floors
place a container underneath to catch any water that drips through
Wet bedding can increase the spread and severity of infectious diseases.
Follow the cleaning and disinfecting guidance to prevent bird flu.
Planning permission for bird housing
Planning permission regulations are different for commercial poultry keepers and those who keep birds as pets. You must check with your local planning authority before you build any bird housing.
Find out about the planning system in England, Scotland and Wales.
You do not normally need planning permission for:
simple structures like posts and netting
temporary or mobile structures
Temporary structures could have solid walls and a roof, or you can use a polytunnel. Polytunnels can get very hot so will only be suitable in cool weather.
You can use existing buildings to house birds (such as barns, farm sheds, outbuildings, garages, garden sheds and verandas). Make sure there is adequate ventilation and light.
Check for and remove hazardous and toxic substances if garages and outbuildings are being used as temporary accommodation.
Cover gaps, openings or ranges (outside areas) with netting
If you’re in a protection zone or a captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone you must house your birds. You should cover any gaps, openings in buildings or build a covered pen or net ranges (outside areas).
Netting can reduce the spread of disease if it stops wild birds getting into enclosed areas where you keep your birds but wild bird droppings can still be a risk.
You can also use nets to help protect birds that cannot easily be housed, such as ducks, geese and game birds.
If you choose to net outdoor areas, or it’s a legal requirement, you should:
contact suppliers of bird netting for advice on equipment
use netting with a maximum mesh size of 25mm (if you used 50mm mesh through the winter, cover it with 25mm mesh to stop small birds getting in)
stop wild birds perching on the roof and defecating through it
use nets to cover light and ventilation gaps if you build temporary outdoor pens, for example using straw bales and a tarpaulin roof
put a windbreak around netted areas to keep your birds safe from bad weather
You should check bird housing and nets regularly for any damage that may allow wild birds to get in.
Preparing to let your birds outside again
You can let your birds outside unless you’re in a protection zone or a captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone. Check what zone you’re in and follow the rules.
Your outdoor area may be contaminated by wild bird faeces, carcases or feathers.
The virus that causes bird flu can stay infectious in faeces, carcases and feathers for around 50 days. It can stay infectious for even longer in wet conditions and standing water.
You must take steps to prepare your range and outdoor areas before letting your birds outside:
follow the biosecurity rules to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading
keep wild birds away from your birds and their range (any outdoor areas they use)
clean and disinfect concrete areas and hard surfaces
remove any build-up of faeces, carcases or feathers and then use disinfectant to decontaminate your range (choose an approved disinfectant that’s suitable to use on soil and outdoor areas)
expose any heavily contaminated areas to sunlight
fence off or cover standing water or ponds – these areas may be contaminated with wild bird faeces
If you have any concerns you can talk to your vet about how to protect your birds’ welfare when letting them outside.
More information on bird welfare
The rules on bird welfare vary across Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).
In England follow poultry on farm welfare guidance.
In Scotland follow Scottish government guidance on animal welfare.
In Wales follow Welsh government guidance on animal welfare.