This page was last updated 18th November 2022. If you are viewing after this date then any regulations mentioned may have changed. To ensure you are up to date with the Avian Flu situation we urge you to check on the DEFRA website.
Avian flu has been on the rise in the UK since October 2021 with over 200 reported cases. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have now declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the UK. This means that bird keepers must strictly follow biosecurity measures set out by DEFRA to prevent the virus from spreading.
What Are The Minimum Biosecurity Measures for Avian Flu?
Regulations change between zoos, falconries, poultry keepers and domestic bird keepers, but the minimum security measures for all bird keepers is to ensure that all areas where birds are kept are kept clean and human interaction is kept to a minimum.
Foot dips should be placed at any entrance or exit containing DEFRA approved disinfectants, or disposable shoe covers should be used inside an aviary.
Mesh used on aviaries should have an aperture of no bigger than 25mm.
Food, water and bedding should be kept undercover and protected against wild birds and rodents. Birds of prey should not be fed anything that could have been exposed to the avian flu, and vermin control should be implemented in any areas where birds are kept.
If you keep poultry, or you are a falconry centre, zoo or sanctuary, you should consult the AIPZ regulations for any further biosecurity measures that may apply to you to prevent the spread of avian flu.
AIPZ Compliant Aviary Mesh
The regulations state that aviary mesh should have an aperture of no bigger than 25mm, however mice are capable of getting through holes as small as 20mm. Seeing as DEFRA have stated that vermin control should be implemented, we recommend an aperture even smaller than this.
ClearMesh has an aperture of 4mm x 5mm, making it effective at preventing wild birds and rodents from entering your aviary and protecting your birds from avian flu.
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