Bird Flu Lockdown To Be Lifted

Tuesday, 11 October 2022 15:33

All bird flu restrictions on the island will be lifted on Thursday (13 October), after six weeks with no new outbreaks.

An island-wide prevention zone was brought in after two separate outbreaks of Avian influenza on farms in St Peter and St Lawrence.

Restrictions meant all keepers were legally required to house their flock and bring in stringent bio-security measures. From Thursday (13 October) these requirements will move to guidance.

Deputy Chief Vet Caroline Terburgh says, even though the island is in the position to lift restrictions, the virus hasn't gone away.

"I’m keen to emphasise we cannot be complacent and that we may have to return to mandatory housing if cases rise again, as they currently are in parts of England."

Poultry-owners are still being encouraged to keep their flocks apart from wild birds as much as possible to mitigate the chances of further outbreaks.

Restrictions on imported birds will still remain in place, meaning flocks brought into the island must be isolated for at least 30 days and a housing and bio-security plan included in import applications.