Avian flu: How to manage the risk on your farm

Last year’s outbreak of avian influenza rocked the poultry sector – with 26 outbreaks between November 2020 and March 2021 – the highest number seen in several years. As cases appear to be starting earlier than they once did, many are concerned that outbreaks on this level could become an annual event.

So far this outbreak there have been seven cases across GB since the 26^th October – in Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Essex, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, the Angus Constituency and Wrexham, Wales.

Commenting on the cases, Robert Gooch, CEO of the British Free Range Egg Producers Association said: “The industry was anticipating a challenging winter from migratory birds and at this moment we are seeing a number of cases of AI being reported which is a major concern for free range production. […]

“The risks are clear for all to see and farmers and smallholders should strictly follow the enhanced biosecurity protocols which have been set out by Defra. […] While the situation is difficult, it is imperative that we protect flocks from any further outbreaks.”

Biosecurity the main defence

Speaking to Farmers Guide, Alex Royden of Poultry Health Services, part of the VetPartners group, emphasised the importance of biosecurity as the key defence against avian influenza. “It depends a little bit on what sort of set up you have – if you have a free range layer flock or indoor broiler flock your levels of biosecurity will obviously be different, but there are things that everyone can do to reduce risk and it is all about trying to reduce risk as much as possible.

“So it’s making sure you’re dipping your feet, your foot baths are regularly changed, you’re using disinfectants at the right concentration, and making sure all buildings are in a good state of repair with no leaking roofs, no holes anywhere, and keeping pest control up to date. Rats and mice can carry wild bird faeces into the house so it’s really important to keep on top of those – and that will help with other disease prevention as well.”

Preventing wild bird access is essential, so Alex recommends netting any ponds and ensuring no feed or bales are left lying around, as well as changing clothes after entering the premises. Reducing traffic to the farm and disinfecting vehicles when they come in, trying to reduce travel between sites and avoiding taking equipment between sites and sheds, are all key. Good records must be kept of who has been on the site.

Neighbouring farms

A breakdown on a nearby farm will understandably cause concern, particularly for free range farms with birds outdoors. However, while housing can help to prevent cases, good biosecurity is more effective, Alex says.

In this case, vehicles would be the main problem so Alex advises being very careful about who is coming on and off site and disinfecting vehicles when this occurs. “And again, as wild birds are the main concern, you want to deter them as much as possible,” she adds. “So avoid leaving things outside the shed or bringing things in that could be contaminated, or disinfect equipment before it goes in, making sure any litter going in hasn’t been contaminated in any way.”

Insurance could be another option poultry farmers wish to consider, she adds. “If you were to go down with it, it’s really costly with the loss of the birds and the cost of cleaning and disinfection is really substantial. The emotional cost is bad enough so it is definitely a positive to not have the financial concern at least.”

“People are worried”

Commenting on the impact on farmers so far this season, Alex said: “I think people are worried and understandably so. Last year was difficult – we had a triple whammy in the poultry industry of Covid, Brexit and bird flu to contend with, and last year avian flu started in November 2020 and carried on right through to spring. We had the housing order which is very difficult for free range layer flocks to deal with. So to happen this year when we’ve already had a really tough year, it’s another blow.

“I think people are worried this will become an annual occurrence that we have to deal with every year, and realistically it could be, so I think we need to get into really good habits. Although we should be practising good biosecurity all year round, we need to make sure we’re not having any lapses at this time of year. […] I think we have to accept it might be something we just have to do, if not every winter, then every other winter.”

So far, Defra has introduced an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) and a ban on bird gatherings, but a housing order cannot be ruled out this year. Should this occur, Alex says it is important to do as much as you can to reduce stress in the house by ensuring there is sufficient enrichment and speaking to a vet about supplements such as magnesium, which can be added to the water and can reduce stress and pecking. Also, make sure red mite is under control, water is clean and there are no other challenges or stresses for the birds to contend with.

The AIPZ means all bird keepers in GB are legally required to take a range of biosecurity precautions. Gatherings of poultry, galliforme and anseriforme birds are also banned.

Keepers must also keep a close watch on birds for any signs of disease, and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns. Clinical signs indicative of avian influenza must be reported in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact to the local Field Services Office.

Biosecurity information is available on gov.uk for England, Scotland and Wales.