DEFRA has said it will end the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), which makes high biosecurity a legal requirement, on 15 May.
As the restrictions ease, the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales are advising poultry keepers to remain vigilant.
See also: Poland: 10 million birds culled because of avian influenza
In a joint statement they said: “This will be welcome news for bird keepers across the country who have put great effort into keeping their flocks safe this winter.
“We have taken swift action to contain and eliminate this disease, and we urge all bird keepers – whether they have just a few birds or thousands – to continue to do their bit to maintain strict biosecurity measures on their premises, so that we do not lose the progress that we have made over the past few months. Low risk does not mean no risk.
The risk of bird flu in poultry with good biosecurity has now been reduced to ‘low’ for all poultry.
See Defra’s latest avian influenza risk assessment, published on 10 May, for more detail.
