New housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza across England came into force on Monday 7th November.
Q&A: BIRD FLU AND GAME BIRDS
Highlights of the most common questions surrounding AI outbreaks related to game.
What signs should I look for on the game farm/shoot?
- The following are some of the signs found particularly with pheasants:
- sudden and rapid increase in the number of birds found dead. Might start as a few birds, then 0.5% to
- 1% daily mortality in 4-7 days.
- several birds affected in the same pen or drive
- cloudy eyes, can be in one or both eyes
- ruffled feathers around the neck
- drooping of the wings and/or dragging of legs
- incoordination and loss of balance
- lethargy and depression
- loss of appetite or marked decrease in feed consumption
- twisting of the head and neck
- recumbency and unresponsiveness
Other signs are:
- swollen head
- closed and excessively watery eyes
- head and body tremoring
- swelling and blue discolouration of comb and wattles
- haemorrhages on shanks of the legs and under the skin of the neck
- sudden increase or decrease in water consumption
- respiratory distress such as gaping (mouth breathing), nasal snicking (coughing sound), sneezing,
- gurgling or rattling
- fever or noticeable increase in body temperature
- discoloured or loose watery droppings
If birds have lost condition, it is most likely not bird flu. If in doubt speak to your vet.
What are we trying to achieve with biosecurity on a shoot?
1. Reduce close contact between wild birds and game birds.
2. Reduce the transmission onto a shoot from another shoot by the guns/beaters/pickers.
3. Reduce the spread of disease on site between pens/drives/beats.
How do I prevent my shoot/farm from getting Bird Flu?
- Communicate clearly on your specific plan with everyone involved
- Documentation: as best as practicable keep notes of movement between shoots
- Monitoring, early reporting is important to limit potential spread
How to Increase biosecurity:
- Foot dips should be changed daily and more frequently as needed.
- Use disinfectant at the proper disinfection rate, Intercid at 1% minimum should be used this is licenced for AI but is less corrosive than Interkokask.
- Speak to a vet on more specific practical solutions based on their knowledge of your shoot
What are the concerns around wild birds?
- Discourage access to feed source for Jackdaws, Ravens, Rook etc
- Frequent patrol/ monitoring may be needed.
Species identified AI positive across UK:
Mute swans
Herring gulls
Black headed gulls
Buzzards
Falcons
Canada goose
Greylag goose
Pink footed goose
Sparrowhawk
Kestrel
Crow
Pigeon
Pied wagtail
In Devon/Cornwall/Somerset only: –
Herring gull
Blackheaded gull
Gannet
Swan
Geese
Can I shoot in a Bird Flu zone?
Yes, shooting continues but follow latest government guidelines as DEFRA may decide to alter the rules depending upon current spread or AI strain.
What do I do with shot game if my shoot is in a bird flu restriction zone?
Game can continue to go to game dealers if the shoot is within the AIPZ zones. IF the shoot is within an SZ or PZ then the game can still be moved without a license to a game dealer, however, it cannot be exported and it will stop the game dealer being able to export also. Shooting without an agreed market is a breach of the BGA standard, so any shoot affected by a PZ or SZ needs to contact their game dealer as quickly as possible.
Is there compensation if my birds have to be culled?
Possibly yes, only birds in release pens that have not died due to bird flu and this only up until the end of September 2022. However, DEFRA will only compensate potentially pens of unaffected birds but not pens affected IF they choose to. There is a sliding scale index on defras website for what they will pay for birds which are negative but culled. This is always a fluid situation and is assessed by an independent valuer.
If you would like to discuss how best to fully reduce your risks of AI on site, you can call your St David’s vet on 01392 872932.
