Urgent calls have been issued for farmers to reinforce their biosecurity practices to safeguard their flocks after two new bird flu cases were confirmed in recent days.

With the patterns of migratory wild birds expected to increase the risk of avian influenza (AI) this winter, farmers are rushing to ensure that biosecurity measures are adhered to precisely.

This comes after highly pathogenic bird flu was recently confirmed in a backyard flock on a farm near St Ives, Cornwall.

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Earlier this month, the first bird flu case of the season was detected in a free-range flock on a farm in East Yorkshire.

Julian Sparrey, from animal health company Livetec Systems, emphasises that one of the most significant risk factors for disease entering a shed is human movement.

“Most know that human biosecurity is crucial, but it’s got to be done properly, or there’s no point in doing it at all.” he explains.

“You can’t just wash your boots down in disinfectant, you need to change into clean boots and overalls, without contaminating them in the process, to be effective.”

Sparrey also stresses the importance of bird and rodent proofing to reduce contamination risks.

In the 2022 outbreaks, most producers used one-inch mesh on all shed entry points, but he advises that these be checked for damage, as they may have worn down over time.

“Even if wild birds aren’t infected with the disease, they can be carrying it on their feet or feathers, the same goes for rodents, so it’s imperative to do everything in your power to stop them accessing sheds.” he says.

“It’s obviously harder for free-range producers to eliminate these risks altogether, but you can still take precautions.

“For example, I’d urge farmers to discourage wild birds from landing on sheds – use spike strips and deterrents on roofs to put them off perching.”

He also suggests eliminating puddles and standing water, not just in the range, but also in farmyards, as the AI virus can survive in cold water for up to 100 days and can be easily transported into sheds by wildlife or humans.

Reflecting on lessons from past outbreaks, Sparrey shares that flocks along Britain’s coast are typically the first to be impacted, as birds migrate from Eastern Europe.

The severity of the risk is usually linked to the harshness of winter conditions in Europe, he notes.

“We’ve seen increased outbreaks in the UK directly correlate with particularly cold winters in Eastern Europe, as more wild birds travel west.

“But with a case of the H5N5 variant in Yorkshire and the H5NI variant in Cornwall, it’s important to stay alert wherever you are in the country.”

To help stay informed, Sparrey advises poultry producers to download the free Livetec Livestock Protect app.

“The app provides real-time updates on AI cases across the country so you can assess the developing risk in your area.” he says.

“Should you fall within a protection zone, the app will notify you of any measures to take, including movement restrictions.”

Meanwhile, bird keepers in Scotland have been instructed to register on the government’s new compulsory register by December 1. This measure aims to better protect the poultry sector from future AI outbreaks and other diseases.