This follows confirmation of H5N1 in a Canada goose in the existing Wild Bird Monitoring Area on 29 February. The lifting of the Control Area today is based on an assessment of risk and of the disease situation.

The Wild Bird Monitoring Area will also reduce in size today, based on expert advice on the area most at risk from disease. The Monitoring Area must remain in place for at least 30 days following the collection of the last positive sample.

Surveillance for disease in the Wild Bird Monitoring Area is ongoing, and new restrictions may need to be reintroduced should the risk of disease increase. The UK is at a constant but low level of risk of the introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza, with a slight increase in risk during winter and spring migration.

Bird keepers across the country are reminded to practice good biosecurity and remain vigilant for any signs of disease.

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza was first confirmed in wild birds in the Dorset area on 10 January and to date 11 cases have been identified in wild birds.

Further Reading

- You can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here.