Release date: 22 December 2022
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at a premises near Horley, Reigate and Banstead, Surrey. Following a risk assessment, a 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone has been put in place by DEFRA.
All bird keepers should remain vigilant & follow stringent biosecurity measures to prevent further outbreaks. More information is available on the GOV.UK news story, Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England. A small part of this Zone falls within the Gatwick area of West Sussex.
Definitive requirements are set out in the published declarations for each disease control zone currently in force. More information is available on the notifiable animal disease cases and control zones page of the GOV.UK website.
One of the most important extra requirements in the Zone is that captive birds MUST now be housed - the option to keep in a netted area has been removed while the Zone remains in place.
An exemption on welfare grounds may be applied for to DEFRA by contacting them on 03459 33 55 77. This will only be granted if a vet considers there are special reasons why housing will harm the birds.
You check if specific areas are in a zone by using the interactive map provided by DEFRA.
