[Marches Farmer]

I suspect it's endemic in wild birds worldwide but is only now being noticed because it's of commercial significance.

[Dave C]

I seem to remember the USA had it quite bad a few years ago.

[clydesdaleclopper]

I don't know if this has already been mentioned but I came across this report which considers the role of wild birds in transmission of highly pathogenic bird flu http://www.face.eu/sites/default/files/documents/english/scientific_task_force_on_avian_influenza_and_wild_birds_h5n8_hpai_december_2016_final.pdf

[Penninehillbilly]

OH Came in and said there was a dead pheasant in field, could it be bird flu, we decided perhaps it was the cold wet weather, looking very sad and bedraggled just now.
I went and had a look later, before anyone could go reporting it. All I found was a dead hare, poor thing, I think hubby really needs some glasses :-).

[macgro7]

Yeeeey!
They just announced on BBC radio that the government is lifting all poultry restrictions from this Thursday!
Melton mowbray rare breed auction has been rescheduled from 8th of April tov6th of May.
Can't wait!!!

[Marches Farmer]

As I understand it restrictions still in place in HRA's have been lifted from Thursday 13th but the ban on poultry gatherings remains until 1st May, with no mention as yet as to whether that too will be lifted (although, unless there are fresh outbreaks, I suspect it will).

[twizzel]

My ducks will be so happy to go out on Thursday 

[SallyintNorth]

The note we got says that they're allowed outside, but feeding must still be indoors, footwear must still be cleaned, and other precautions to minimise risk of infection still stand.

[ellied]

My neighbour let me know that apparently 'all restrictions' are off from yesterday according to the One Show last night. 

I am still slightly confused as the only official announcement I heard this week was about moving HRAs in England to the same status as non HRA areas which we have had here since February.  Under which they can go out but only in areas where you can prevent contact with wild birds by clearing the ground of all bird droppings and avoiding sharing access to any kind of water or food, not just what you give them.  And free range in the sense of letting birds roam in gardens and paddocks can not keep entirely 'safe' from wild birds, not that penning can either as I've pheasants, partridge, crows and all kinds of wild birds in the garden that stand the other side of whatever fencing there is, even if they can't get to feeders..

So I'm still working to a 30 April release date for complete free range where they are out most daylight hours but returned to pen for corn in the evening and to roost.  And my neighbours are confused by my approach because the BBC said it was ok and all restrictions are off as of yesterday.

Is there a Scotland based new guidance that I have missed?  Is BBC1 an appropriate source to quote if someone comes along to complain either way?

[Daisys Mum]

Just when you think it's all over a new case in "a backyard flock" turns up in Lancashire 

[harmony]

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu


Yes, you can let your poultry out but have to follow the guidance. They still intend to lift the Prevention Zone on the 15th of May. And yes, they have confirmed a new case.

[doganjo]

This is teh link fro Scotland.  The exclusion zone ended at midnight on 30th April and mine are delighted to be out and about and enjoying teh sunshine.

http://www.gov.scot/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/animal-welfare/Diseases/disease/avian