Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to develop a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds response plan in England, as recommended by the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species Scientific Task Force on HPAI in wild birds.

Defra’s objective in tackling any outbreak of avian influenza is to eradicate the disease as quickly as possible from the UK poultry and captive-bird population and regain UK World Organisation for Animal Health disease-free status. Defra’s approach is set out in the Notifiable Avian Disease Control Strategy for Great Britain. Swift and humane culling of kept birds on infected premises coupled with good biosecurity aims to prevent the amplification of avian influenza and subsequent environmental contamination and to reduce the risk of disease spread from infected premises to other poultry or to wild birds. Current policy is in line with international standards of best practice for disease control. It reflects our experience of responding to past outbreaks of exotic animal disease.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) carries out year-round avian influenza surveillance of dead wild birds submitted via public reports and warden patrols. During the avian influenza 2021/2022 season wild birds from multiple locations across GB have tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1. Findings of HPAI in wild birds in GB are published weekly by APHA and are available on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-in-wild-birds

Defra works closely with the UK Health Security Agency and non-governmental organisations with interests in wildlife conservation and wetland management and recognises the importance of One Health approaches in the communication and coordination for preparedness and responses. Defra has a robust programme of avian influenza surveillance in both wild and kept birds and actively promotes the importance of biosecurity measures to reduce spillover and spillback risks between poultry and wild birds.

It is not current policy to cull wild birds, although powers exist to do this. The control of avian influenza infection in wild bird populations is not feasible from a logistical, environmental and biodiversity perspective. Culling of wild migratory bird populations is unlikely to be effective in preventing further spread of avian influenza, and their hunting would likely cause the dispersion of the birds. At present, we cannot foresee circumstances that would lead to a change in this policy, although this position will be assessed as any new evidence emerges.

We continue to monitor the current situation both in Europe and globally, as well as the effectiveness of any disease control measures taken. Any future decisions on disease control measures will be based on the latest scientific, ornithological and veterinary advice.