DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (News Release ref
:318/08) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 1 October 2008
Defra has today
announced changes to the way it identifies wild birds that may be
carrying avian influenza. The GB surveillance strategy for
2008-2009 will help identify any change in risk to poultry and
other kept birds from avian influenza (AI) in wild birds
("the Survey").
The changes, which come into immediate effect, are being brought
in as a result of increased scientific knowledge and practical
experience in handling incidents of avian influenza.
Under the changes, which have been recommended by
epidemiologists, discussed with expert ornithologists and endorsed
by the Animal Disease Policy Group, skilled wild bird ecologists
and wardens will make year-round patrols in designated reserves.
They will screen and assess both live and dead wild birds, in
particular gulls, ducks, geese, swans and waders, for avian
influenza testing.
In addition, members of the public are from now on being asked to
report incidents only where they find 10 or more dead birds in the
same place and at the same time.
Birds shot as part of normal wildfowling activities will not be
sampled because the extended warden patrols will provide the
coverage required. Other methods of sampling, including sampling
of shot birds may still be used if needed in future, for example
if a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds
resulted in a Wild Bird Control Area being declared. The
likelihood of a wild bird found dead being infected with avian
influenza remains very small. Dead wild birds are screened because
they are a useful source for sampling and not because their death
is likely to be due to avian influenza.
Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, said:
"The Wild Bird Survey has operated since October 2005 and we
are able to improve its focus as our scientific knowledge and
experience of AI incidents increases. I am confident that this
change will enable us to identify any increased risk to domestic
poultry from wild birds through better targeting of our
surveillance effort. We will continue to keep the survey under
review and update it when necessary".
If members of the public are concerned about dead wild birds that
they have found, they should follow the guidance on the Defra
website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/wildbirds/index.htm#reporting
Notes to editors
1. The Survey for AI in Wild Birds commenced in October 2005 and
became more targeted in 2006 based on increased scientific knowledge.
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Press notices are available on our website http://www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
End
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR
Website
http://www.defra.gov.uk