Animal health

Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds are to be introduced to all areas of Sunderland from 00:01 on Monday 7 April 2025, following a decision by the United Kingdom's Chief Veterinary Officer.

The housing measures legally require all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to keep following the stringent biosecurity measures (introduced in February) to help protect their flocks from the disease, regardless of type or size. Biosecurity guidance and a biosecurity self-assessment checklist have been published by DEFRA to assist all bird keepers in instigating and maintaining good biosecurity, which together with further updates on the latest avian influenza situation, can be found at: Bird flu (avian influenza): how to prevent it and stop it spreading - GOV.UK

The addition of housing measures to the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone already in force across England means all bird keepers across England must:

• House or net all poultry and captive birds
• Keep your birds away from other captive and wild birds and prevent contact with wild birds including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
• Maintain bird houses and sheds
• Clean and disinfect housing and 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
• Keep records of mortality, movement of poultry and poultry products and any changes in production
• Prevent access by poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas
• If you buy new birds, always check their health before you bring them to your property.

Wild birds are susceptible to a range of diseases and injuries and not all dead birds will have been infected with avian influenza. However, our general advice to the general public is to not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that they find.

Members of the public and land managers are advised to check the current government guidance on reporting of dead wild birds and latest updates. If the finding meets the threshold for reporting, they should contact the Defra Helpline (03459 33 55 77) to report the dead wild birds, unless it is clear that the cause of death is trauma.

Registering kept birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in the UK is crucial for maintaining biosecurity and preventing the spread of diseases, such as avian influenza, which can affect both wild and domestic bird populations. By registering, bird keepers help authorities monitor and respond to potential outbreaks more effectively, ensuring the safety of both birds and people. The process of registering is simple and can be done online through the APHA's dedicated registration portal, making it quick and accessible for all bird owners.

Once registered, keepers receive important updates and guidance on keeping their birds healthy, further enhancing the protection of their flocks and the wider community.