{"id":56205,"date":"2026-06-04T16:34:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T16:34:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/56205\/"},"modified":"2026-06-04T16:34:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T16:34:08","slug":"bird-flu-prevention-zones-lifted-across-great-britain-defra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/56205\/","title":{"rendered":"Bird flu prevention zones lifted across Great Britain – Defra"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra<\/a>) has announced that the prevention zones for avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in place across Great Britain have been lifted as of noon today (Thursday, June 4).<\/p>\n

Defra outlined that these measures were first introduced in England on December 13, 2024, with Scotland and Wales following suit in late January 2025.<\/p>\n

The department lifted the prevention zones following its latest risk assessment, which reportedly showed that the risk of bird flu has \u201creduced\u201d from medium to low.<\/p>\n

While acknowledging that the risk has decreased in poultry and wild birds, Defra emphasised the importance of continued, \u201cscrupulous biosecurity\u201d on farms to prevent and stop the spread of diseases, such as bird flu.<\/p>\n

England<\/p>\n

Chief veterinary officer for the UK, Christine Middlemiss stated that now is the \u201cright time to lift the prevention zones.\u201d<\/p>\n

She explained: \u201c[Today\u2019s announcement] has been possible because of the\u202fhard work of all bird keepers, who have upheld high biosecurity standards for many months.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u202fIt remains\u202fvital\u202fthat\u00a0keepers\u00a0remain vigilant and\u00a0maintain\u00a0high\u00a0levels\u00a0of biosecurity\u00a0to keep\u202fflocks safe; low risk does not mean no risk.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

The CVO issued the following security advice to all bird keepers:<\/p>\n

Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds;<\/p>\n

Limit 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 ensure effective vermin control;<\/p>\n

Cleanse and disinfect poultry housing thoroughly \u201con a continuous basis\u201d;<\/p>\n

Keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points;<\/p>\n

Minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds.<\/p>\n

The department also reminded English poultry farmers, whose flock consists of at least\u00a01,000\u00a0chickens, or\u00a0500\u00a0ducks,\u00a0geese or\u00a0turkeys, to consider applying for the Poultry Biosecurity Review (PBR).<\/p>\n

Defra outlined that PBR is a \u201cvoluntary, time-limited grant offer\u201d for farmers in England, which involves a vet-led biosecurity review of their poultry site that is focused on preventing and reducing the risk of avian influenza and other serious diseases.<\/p>\n

Farmers who may be interested in the biosecurity review can find out more on Defra\u2019s website.<\/p>\n

The department also urged farmers to continue to report any suspected cases of bird flu to the Defra Rural Services Helpline by dialling 03000 200 301.<\/p>\n

Scotland and Wales<\/p>\n

The CVOs for Scotland and Wales, Shelia Voas and Richard Irvine both commended the continued cooperation from poultry farmers in maintaining good biosecurity.<\/p>\n

Voas commented: \u201cWe have decided to keep the restrictions on bird gatherings in place but have commissioned a risk assessment to be carried out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will consider the results of this risk assessment and whether scientific evidence supports reducing the restrictions on bird gatherings in due course.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Irvine added: \u201cGood hygiene practices are your first and most effective line of defence; vigilance and prompt reporting of any suspicion of disease also remain absolutely vital.\u201d<\/p>\n

In Scotland, suspected cases of bird flu can be reported to the nearest Field Services Office, while Welsh poultry keepers can be reported by dialling 0300 303 8268.<\/p>\n


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