Avian Influenza - DEFRA notice

AVIAN INFLUENZA AND PIGEONS – EXERCISING, SHOWING, SALES, TRAINING AND RACING 
 
The following guidance provides clarity for pigeon fanciers on the implications of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in the UK – England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
 
For those fanciers whose pigeons are kept outside of the Protection / Surveillance Zones (10km zones around HPAI outbreaks):
 
You are able to take part in all pigeon gatherings such as shows, sales, training and racing whilst adhering to the requirements of the general licence, as well as the enhanced biosecurity requirements in place across the UK as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone – Please refer to the DEFRA website for the general licence requirements. You can exercise your birds as normal.
 
For those fanciers that house pigeons within the Protection / Surveillance Zone (10km zones around HPAI outbreaks). 
 
If you live within a 10km Surveillance Zone around an outbreak you can still exercise your pigeons around the loft but you are unable to take part in any gatherings, i.e. shows, sales, training or racing until the restrictions within these zones have been lifted.
 
There are currently three avian influenza Protection / Surveillance Zones remaining (listed below), which have the above stated restrictions. All are due to be lifted before the end of March, provided there is no further disease found within the zones. Any new outbreaks are likely to result in new Protection and Surveillance Zones being put in place.  
1.            Wyre, Lancashire
2.            Redgrave, Suffolk                                                                                                                                                                            
3.            Haltwhistle, Northumberland   
 
To establish if your lofts/pigeons are housed within these 10km zones please refer to the interactive map located on the DEFRA website at http://www.gisdiseasemap.defra.gov.uk/intmaps/avian/map.jsp