25 May 2017
The States Vet has confirmed that measures currently in place in Jersey to reduce the risk of avian influenza (also known as avian flu or bird flu) have largely been lifted.
Avian influenza (bird flu) is a disease of birds. The H5N8 strain of the disease has been found in the UK in farmed and wild birds since December 2016.
Poultry gatherings will be permitted, such as bird shows. The requirement for individual licences for poultry importations is expected to be lifted next month.
Measures to combat the disease were lifted in the UK recently, except where there have been recent outbreaks.
The Department of the Environment’s Veterinary Officer, Theo Knight-Jones, is still recommending poultry keepers remain vigilant and try to minimise contact between domestic poultry and wild birds. However, because of the reduced risk of bird flu, it's no longer necessary to try to house poultry.
Members of the public are still asked to report any dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead birds such as gulls or birds of prey to the States Veterinary office at Howard Davis Farm.
Dr Knight-Jones will continue to monitor the situation and advise on any necessary measures.
Public Health England advises the risk to public health is very low and the Food Standards Agency has said there is no food safety risk for consumers.
More information on how to reduce contact between domestic poultry and wild birds to minimise the risk of avian flu transmission can be found on the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) website.
Link to latest situation on Defra website
Telephone the States Veterinary Office +44 (0) 1534 441600
Email the States Veterinary Office
gov.je