Update on bird flu restrictions

Bird flu restrictions and associated biosecurity measures will end in Jersey on Liberation Day (9 May) unless the situation suddenly deteriorates, the Island’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed.

For now, the avian influenza “Prevention Zone” remains in place across the whole Island, and with it the continued requirement for birdkeepers to house their flocks or keep them separate from wild birds by other means, such as appropriate netting. Keepers must also continue to ensure feed and water is provided, which also must not be accessible to wild birds.

A number of other restrictions are, though, being removed with immediate effect. The 3km “Protection Zone” around the location of a previously announced positive case, and the wider “Surveillance Zone” covering the rest of the Island have both been lifted. It means a licence is no longer required to move birds or any mammals kept on premises with birds.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Alistair Breed, said: “The situation is being monitored and disease surveillance and testing is ongoing. I greatly appreciate the continuing efforts of bird keepers to help stop the spread of avian influenza and am grateful for the public’s reports of dead wild birds. While we must not be complacent, I am pleased to be able to lift some restrictions today and hope to be able to remove the housing or separation requirement on 9 May, all being well.”

There have been no further bird flu cases confirmed in Jersey since early March.