The UK government has announced a ban on bird gatherings across England in an effort to curb the spread of a highly contagious strain of avian influenza.
Starting midday on Monday, the ban will apply to markets, fairs, shows, exhibitions, and other events involving live birds, including ducks, geese, swans, pheasants, partridges, quails, chickens, turkeys, and guinea fowl, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The decision follows a surge in bird flu cases, with 27 confirmed infections in England and one in Scotland. Last week, a commercial farm in Norfolk reported an outbreak, leading to the culling of affected poultry. The virus spreads primarily through droppings, saliva, and contaminated food or water.
Defra has also classified vehicles transporting live birds from multiple locations as gatherings, meaning they will also be affected by the ban.
Currently, bird flu vaccinations are prohibited in the UK, except in zoos. However, several farming organizations have urged the government to lift restrictions and allow vaccinations to help contain the outbreak.
Health officials have reported one rare case of bird flu in a human during the latest outbreak but assured the public that the risk to human health remains very low. Nonetheless, concerns are rising among farmers over the potential economic and agricultural impact of the disease.
