Defra Update

From RPRA:

Outbreak of Avian Influenza Diss, Norfolk

Due to a confirmed outbreak near Diss, Norfolk there is currently an avian influenza Protection / Surveillance Zone in place around the site of the outbreak.

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 RPRA 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 are unable to take part in any gatherings, i.e. shows, sales, training or racing until the restrictions within these zones have been lifted. To establish if your lofts/pigeons are housed within these 10km zones please refer to the interactive map located on the DEFRA website.

Ian Evans
General Manager

Defra have confirmed that the restrictions in place around the outbreak in Wyre, Lancashire have been lifted. Those fanciers within the 10km zone are now able to race and train etc. The surveilance zone and relevant restrictions remain in place in the 10km zone around the outbreak in Diss.