As part of its continuing actions, Defra has identified four sites in the Restriction Zone as 'Dangerous Contacts' and the birds on them will be culled as a precautionary measure. The BPC has today urged all poultry operators in the AI control zones to maintain the highest level of biosecurity whilst the investigative activities by Defra are ongoing.

Speaking today Peter Bradnock, BPC Chief Executive said: “We are working closely with Defra to help the poultry companies in the zones regain a level of business continuity, without breaking the biosecurity containment. We welcome the decision by Defra to issue movement licences to enable birds to be moved to slaughter within the surveillance zone, and for hatcheries to move chicks to farms."

There is not yet any movement permitted from within the zones to the outside, although the status of movement licences is under continual review in light of developing understanding.

Mr Bradnock continued: "The actions taken so far by Defra and the poultry industry have been timely and proportionate, and it is vital to understand how the disease got into poultry. However, we must also consider how best to ensure the future livelihood of poultry farmers caught in the zones."

-ENDS-

BPC 14 November 2007