Bird Flu Outbreak Confirmed in Exeter, Devon โฃ- Protection Zones Established
Exeter, Devon is now subject to strict control measures following the confirmation of a bird flu outbreak. Four active protection zones – 3km protection zones and 3km temporary control zones – have been implemented across Devon as โof today, according to the Department for Surroundings, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
The outbreaks pose a risk to โpoultry and other captive birds, prompting DEFRA to enforce stringent biosecurity protocols to limit the spreadโ of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). These measures impact bird owners and farmers within the designated zones,and are intended to protect the wider poultryโ population and prevent โขdisruption to the food chain.
Within 3km protection and temporary control zones, the followingโ rules are in effect:
adherence to rules applicable toโฃ 10km surveillance โand temporary control zones.
Mandatory housing of poultryโ and captive birds.
Strict instructions from veterinary inspectorsโค for bird carcass disposal.
Restrictions on the spreading or removal of poultry litter, manure, or slurry.
Prohibition of poultry/captive bird movement without a โlicense (exceptions for pets). โ Restrictions on egg movement without a license (table eggs to wholesale/retail for direct consumer sale permitted).
Restrictions on poultry meat movement unless following case declaration rules.
Within 10km surveillance and temporary control zones, the following rules are in effect:
Record-keeping ofโค all poultry/egg movements (excluding table eggs to wholesale/retail).
Restrictions โฃon the โฃmovement of poultry, captive birds, and mammals to/from premises โขwith birds without a licenseโฃ (exceptions for pets).
Restrictions on the spreading orโค removalโ of poultry litter, manure, or slurry.