Author: David Parsons

Animal Welfare Act 2006

The majority of lofts that I have visited have been complying with the duty of care specified in this Act long before the Act came into being.

Changes in legislation will continue to occur and we may not necessarily be aware of the changes. These usually, reflect changes in what is currently acceptable as opposed to historical practice.

The Act does not take into account changes in personal circumstances. Please help those who may be struggling for whatever reason.

Under the Act, owners and keepers have a duty of care to their animals and must make sure they meet their needs:

  • for a suitable environment and place to live
  • for a suitable diet
  • to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
  • to be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)
  • to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease

The Act prohibits animal cruelty which includes:

  • causing unnecessary suffering to an animal
  • mutilation
  • poisoning an animal

Anyone who does not comply with the Act may:

  • be banned from owning animals
  • face an unlimited fine
  • be sent to prison for up to 5 years

Avian Influenza – heightened risk

Last night I sent a quick message for friends at the Salisbury Poultry Club. I said that I feared that the avian influenza situation is likely to get worse earlier this year in the run up to Christmas.

In my opinion, it appears that there is nowhere in the UK that is not at risk of having the avian influenza virus in the wild bird population. This means that outdoor poultry are at risk.

Today, APHA have sent out a text message saying the risk of bird flu is rising and that extra biosecurity measures are in place for keepers of gamebirds.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/heightened-avian-influenza-risk-warning-issued-to-bird-keepers-and-gamebird-rearers

If you have chickens and pigeons and you will need to keep these extra records.

Please remember that fellow fanciers will already have been caught up in control zones through no fault of their own and had their racing season ruined.

I am afraid this is the new normal. Please check that you are not in a control zone before bringing your pigeons to a marking station. Should it be found that a fancier has entered a race whilst under control zone restrictions. I fear that would be the end of pigeon racing both inland and across the channel.

Click here to go to the APHA interactive map.

Woodbridge – Avian Influenza controls revoked

Good news and a first perhaps that has been reported. Just because it looks like ‘Flu does not mean that it is unless the appropriate tests are done. A lesson for all of us.

Revocation of the avian influenza Temporary Control near Woodbridge, East Suffolk, Suffolk (SOS AIV 2025/03) at 11:50 on 10 August 2025, thereby ending the measures imposed in the 3 kilometre temporary control zone (Area A) and the 10 kilometre temporary control zone (Area B).

Any fanciers in this area can now race and share training.

Avian Influenza outbreaks Tiverton, Yeovil, Attleborough

Control Zones – 19:45 on 30 July 2025
Control Zone HPAI 3 and 10km Zones
Town Tiverton
Confirmed No. AIV 2025/52
Strain H5N1

Control Zones – 17.45 on 31 July 2025
Control Zone 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone
Town Yeovil
Confirmed No. AIV 2025/54
Strain H5N1

Control Zones – 19:45 on 30 July 2025
Control Zone HPAI 3 and 10km Zones
Town Attleborough
Confirmed No. AIV 2025/53
Strain H5N1

Control Zones – 21.45 on 6 August 2025
Control Zone HPAI 3 and 10km Zones
Town Attleborough
Confirmed No. AIV 2025/56
Strain H5N1

Outbreaks England and Wales 07/08/25

Tiverton

Yeovil

Attleborough 1 and 2

Virkon S powder approval reinstated -04/08/2025

Virkon S powder now has its diseases of Poultry Order and Avian Influenza and Influenza of avian origin in mammals Order approval reinstated.

Usage rate 1g powder in 150ml water or 8g powder in 1.2L water or 40g powder in 6L water.

There may be a different rate on previously purchased tubs but please use the rates I have given above.

If you want to use Virkon S to reduce the likelihood of salmonella or paratyphoid contamination then use it at a rate of 1g powder in 75 ml water or 40g in 3L water.

Letters or emails from APH

I am aware that several fanciers have recently been randomly selected and have received letters from APHA requesting specific information which you have agreed to supply on request when you sign the “Owners Declaration”.

You are not alone. I receive these requests more regularly than most fanciers will following signing the export certificates. I have attached a picture of the latest which refers to the NFC Tarbes race.

Proof positive that the APHA checks are not just tick box exercises.

Please make sure you keep all necessary documents for the 3 years or longer.

To date no fanciers have been de-registered through failure to supply the required information. Read your “Owners Declaration” especially section 3 and make sure that you have everything organised so that you are not the first.

Declaration of a Protection Zone and a Surveillance Zone (H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) –near Dulverton, Tiverton and Minehead, Somerset(AIV 2025 51)

Just as it looked as though everything was getting quieter, we are now back up to 3 outbreaks centred around Tow Law, Glyn Ceiriog and Dulverton. Fanciers caught in these areas will not be able to race.