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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the report by her Department entitled Risk Assessment on the spread of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 to wild birds from released, formerly captive gamebirds in Great Britain

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has assessed the impact gamebird releases have on the likelihood of transmission of avian influenza to wild birds, and between wild birds and kept birds to ensure our approach reflects any risk activities associated with gamebirds. (Risk Assessment on the spread of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 to wild birds from released, formerly captive gamebirds in Great Britain Pheasants (publishing.service.gov.uk).

The release of gamebirds is not permitted in any avian influenza disease control zone, nor are gamebird releases permitted while an avian influenza prevention zone including mandatory housing measures is in force.

We are continuing to monitor the current situation including through surveillance for avian influenza in wild birds together with the effectiveness of any disease control measures taken. Any future decisions on disease control measures will be based upon the latest scientific, ornithological, and veterinary advice.