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APHA - Avian Influenza - Experience Day Voucher Update

As you may have seen, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are currently experiencing the highest level of cases of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in previous years. There have been 174 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in England since 1 October 2022. There have been over 282 cases of HPAI H5N1 in England since the H5N1 outbreak started on 27 October 2021. 

Avian influenza spreads from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces. It can also be spread by contaminated feed and water or by dirty vehicles, clothing and footwear. The avian influenza virus changes frequently, creating new strains, and there is a constant risk that one of the new strains may spread easily among people. Avian influenza isn’t an airborne virus.

Following a change in the risk levels and an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza in kept and wild birds, the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have declared a UK wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds. This means that it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in the UK to house their birds and follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu. 

Unfortunately, due to several local confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, in Heybridge, Kelvedon and Witham, various restrictions now apply to our business and premisses preventing us from flying or transporting our birds outside or through a 3km Protection Zone and/or a 10km Surveillance Zone. This does therefore mean that at present we are unable to take or confirm any bookings until these restrictions are lifted. We anticipate that the current restrictions may be in place for the next 28-30 days or longer.

Could we therefore ask you to contact us again after this period of time in order that we can provide you with an update and potentially check our availability for booking your experience day.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.