As you will have seen today from the media, the Suffolk strain of bird flu has been confirmed as HPAI H5N1. It is very similar to the Hungarian strain reported last week. DEFRA has initiated a restricted zone of a 3km protection zone (PZ) within a 10km surveillance zone (SZ) Moreover, they have extended the buffer zone to a large part of East Anglia taking in most of Suffolk and SE Norfolk covering some 2090 sq m. All bird keepers (pet, domestic and commercial) are required to house their birds and keep separate form any wild birds until further notice. Licenced movements of birds only are permitted within this buffer area.

Ornithologists have confirmed that this outbreak is similar to the Asian strain of HPAI AS was the Hungarian. DEFRA has been taken by surprise by this outbreak, it is not a typical migratory period but they are optimistic that, like the outbreaks in Western Europe last year, the disease was contained and eradicated in the specified areas without any further spread. With the initiation of the SZ promptly it is hoped to stamp out this outbreak promptly. All the turkeys on this farm have now been destroyed. Investigations continue as to the likely source of the disease but it was noted that the farm was near both the east coast and wetland areas in East Anglia and so sea birds/waterfowl may be the culprits.

What does this mean for us pigeon fanciers? Well for the immediate future all bird gatherings in England, Scotland and Wales (such as shows and sales) are forbidden. DEFRA are contacting those gathering/show organisers as I write. This will undoubtedly also delay the announcement of continental racing which was imminent. Clearly DEFRA will have important issues to resolve before any decision can be taken on this but I remain optimistic that, with containment of this outbreak, continental racing may take place.

I will keep you informed as and when I have another update but you can of course get the latest from http://www.defra.gov.uk [new window]

Peter Bryant
General Manager
The Royal Pigeon Racing Association