Source: Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE, 1/10/17


Authorities in the United Kingdom are taking additional steps to stem the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) after new outbreaks were reported in recent days.

Protection zones and quarantine areas had already been established in the last few weeks as the H5N8 strain of HPAI was reported in England, Wales and Scotland. Now, the chief veterinarian officer is calling on U.K. residents who keep poultry to not let them outside until the end of February in addition to maintaining a ban on poultry shows and exhibitions that could accelerate the spread if HPAI, according to several media reports.

Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens added that even if poultry owners cannot move birds into a “suitable building,” they should at least create temporary enclosures using netting and keep food and water inside so wild birds cannot contaminate them, one newspaper reported.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture and Livestock Service in Chile (SAG) confirmed the nation’s first outbreak of avian influenza in the Valparaiso region, although the agency is still trying to determine the strain. Officials are working to “eradicate the disease” discovered at one of Agrosuper’s turkey production site during routine monitoring, according to a report from Reuters. About 350,000 affected birds are expected to be culled, the report added.

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