DEFRA today announced changes to the disease control measures put in place to tackle the H5N1 outbreak in Suffolk. At 2pm today, 1 March, the specific Protection Zone (PZ) restrictions will be removed and will become part of the wider Surveillance Zone (SZ).

In addition, the requirement to house birds within all of the zones, including the Restricted Zone, will be lifted.

DEFRA has carried out enhanced surveillance of 148 premises of live poultry (including testing ducks and geese) and tested approximately 64 dead wild birds within the zones and tested faecal samples from the environment around the infected premises. This has not revealed the presence of disease outside the affected premises.

Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg said: “This is a positive step that has resulted from our work to stamp out the disease. However, we cannot afford to be complacent. We must remain vigilant and I must stress again how important it is for poultry keepers to practice good bio-security.”

Minister for Animal Health Ben Bradshaw said: "I would like to thank the public and poultry keepers in the areas of Suffolk and Norfolk for their co-operation and understanding in helping us deal with the outbreak and prevent its spread."

Peter Bryant
General Manager
The Royal Pigeon Racing Association