Bird flu restrictions eased as risk recedes

But poultry keepers are still advised to maintain good levels of biosecurity and to keep their details registered with the States’ veterinary officers.

The measures, which including registering birds, were brought in earlier this year due to avian flu outbreaks in the UK and Europe.

Avian influenza is a viral infection of domestic poultry and wild birds.

The order was due to lapse on 1 January 2023, but has been revoked early.

States veterinary officer David Chamberlain said it was good news to be able to revoke the compulsory measures early and in time for summer events.

‘However, it is highly likely that bird flu will reoccur yearly and therefore we want to stress the need to still maintain good biosecurity measures,’ he said. ‘For example, only keeping as many birds as you can house safely in an outbreak.

‘We are also still recommending poultry keepers to register their details with us voluntarily so that we can notify them of important developments and distribute the latest guidance directly.

‘Knowing the numbers and locations of poultry on-island will also help us in the event of a future outbreak.’

Poultry keepers’ data will be removed from the States veterinary officers’ database by the end of May, unless poultry keepers email svo@gov.gg or call 01481 221161 by then. A voluntary register will remain in place.

n All poultry keepers are advised to read the information on avian influenza at https://gov.gg/animalhealth.