DEFRA has this afternoon announced certain specific licences for the movement of poultry in the control zones in place across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Poultry companies will now be able to move birds to slaughter from the Restricted Zone (RZ) into the Free Area (FA). Certain movements of birds in the Surveillance Zone (SZ) to the FA has also been allowed.

BPC is in continuing discussion with DEFRA concerning the pre-movement testing of ducks and geese in the control zones.

Speaking this afternoon, Peter Bradnock, BPC Chief Executive said: “This is a real achievement for the poultry sector. We’ve been working hard to ensure that movements could be allowed as soon as DEFRA felt that the level of uncertainty was understood”.

Many BPC Member Companies in the area have been affected by the restrictions, from free-range flocks to large farms. BPC is seeking to help the affected companies return to full operation, as soon as possible, and as soon as the risk allows.

The partnership between government and the poultry sector is continuing to work well, with companies taking responsibility for ensuring bio-security requirements are met, and DEFRA making decisions on a comprehensive risk assessment basis.

Commenting further, Mr. Bradnock said: “The British Poultry Council is continuing to work closely with DEFRA on all its tracing and surveillance work. Wide and ongoing surveillance of wild birds in the UK remains key”.

-ENDS-

BPC 22 November 2007