Avian Influenza

Despite the recent reduction in the UK-wide risk levels, regional variation will be present and the recent cases of avian influenza emphasise that high standards of biosecurity remain essential because infection may still be present in the environment. In particular for the bird of prey community, due to the continued risk of avian influenza infection in wild birds, we advise against feeding of any wild birds, and in particular any wild shot or hunted wildfowl, to any birds of prey. This includes birds that may have been shot or hunted earlier in the autumn/winter and frozen, because the virus can remain viable in frozen carcases for at least 12 months.

Dr Gordon Mellor Chairman The Hawk Board