Several new cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in the UK, as the egg industry today is required to label boxes of eggs as ‘barn’ rather than ‘free-range’.
The 16 week derogation for free-range producers has now passed, following the introducing of the housing order in November.
Over the past few days, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in birds at a premises near Woodbridge, Suffolk on 20 March 2022. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone has been put in place around the premises. All birds on the infected premises will be humanely culled.
In Scotland, two new cases have been confirmed near Strichen, Aberdeenshire on 19 March, and near Beith, North Ayrshire on 18 March 2022.
A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone were declared, which took effect from19:55 on 19 March 2022. This means movement restrictions within these zones – for example, poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease.
In the UK, there have this season been more than 100 cases of avian influenza, meaning it is the worst year for AI the country has ever seen.