Following a change in the risk levels and an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in kept and wild birds, the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Great Britain to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds.
This means that from midday on Monday 17 October, it is now a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect flocks from the threat of avian flu. View these mandatory measures from the Government.
As such, Kennel Club registered Clubs and Societies holding field trial and working gundog events, and those competitors/handlers, are strongly advised to follow all advice and guidance provided in the specific Avian Flu Biosecurity Action Points listed below. This guidance has been created in conjunction with Government advice and information from external organisations to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
Avian flu is a highly infectious disease and following scrupulous biosecurity and hygiene measures is imperative. It is vital these measures are carried out thoroughly, and it is the individuals’ personal responsibility for executing these action points wherever possible.
Avian Flu Biosecurity Action Points
For Clubs and Societies:
- Work closely with hosts and follow their requirements
- Consider creating a risk assessment in conjunction with the host ground
- Confirm any biosecurity measures in place on the host ground
- Check all local area restrictions
- Follow all Government issued advice
- Put in place biosecurity measures and facilities, such as providing disinfectant sprays or foot dips in conjunction with trial ground requirements
- Keep competitors, judges and others up to date with additional requirements
For dog owners/handlers:
- Follow all instructions provided by the host and/or trial management
- Maintain biosecurity – scrupulous cleaning of boots / cars / equipment / dogs must be undertaken both before and after attending any trial
- Aim to leave a 96-hour time period between attending trials where possible, particularly if you have attended a ground with confirmed Avian Influenza
- Do NOT bring any game with you in vehicles or gamebags - even left in a vehicle it is a risk of cross-contamination
- Do not feed uncooked shot or culled birds to dogs, or allow them to eat dead wild birds
- If your dog/s have been out, please wash/clean them thoroughly with shampoo, paying particular attention to their paws
- Wash or sanitise hands and wash clothing well after handling dead birds and before any contact with live birds
- Wear different outer clothes from the previous day
- In addition, please follow all instructions given by the trial organiser or venue on arrival which may include;
- Driving vehicles over barrier mats
- Using foot dips provided
- Hand sanitizer
The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review as part of the Government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of bird flu.
Any cancellation or abandonment of a field trial must be reported in writing to The Kennel Club, by completing the Cancellation of Shows Form as soon as this decision is made, giving the reason for the cancellation. Further information, and the form, is available on the cancellation of events page.
Further information and advice from Government is available below: