The Avian Flu Guide for UK Poultry Farmers

Help and advice on staying safe from Avian Flu.

On top of the ever-increasing farming pressure, poultry farmers are again faced with the challenge of Avian Flu (also called Avian Influenza or Bird Flu).

We’re here to help keep you up to date with biosecurity best practices and our recommended products to stay safe in poultry farming this Winter.

DEFRA have introduced compulsory housing measures in addition to the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) mandatory enhanced biosecurity measures.

Check the latest DEFRA advice

5 Tips To Prevent Avian Influenza

1️⃣ Clean footwear before and after visits

Be sure to clean any footwear with disinfectants before and after visits. Once you’ve washed your boots off, we recommend using FootCheck for disinfecting as it minimises wastage by ensuring a precise concentration is used. Essentially it means you can do away with buckets, containers and measuring jugs.

2️⃣ Use the correct PPE around birds

Infection in humans predominantly results from direct contact with infected poultry which is why it’s so important to wear the correct PPE. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommend: disposable or polycotton coveralls with head coverage of CE type 5 and 6 (disposable coveralls are preferred); disposable gloves of lightweight nitrile or vinyl, or heavy duty rubber (not latex) gloves that can be disinfected after use; rubber or polyurethane boots that are waterproof and can be cleaned or disinfected after use, or disposable shoe/boot covers are also recommended; face-fitted FFP3 respirator with exhalation valve and close fitting goggles.

3️⃣ Control rats and mice

It’s crucial to keep the bird’s homes clean and tidy, making sure extra measures are put in place to control rats and mice, with regular cleansing and disinfecting any hard surfaces. There are many types of disinfectants available but ideally you should use a DEFRA approved disinfectant at entrances and exits. If you’re looking for extra peace of mind, phenol-based disinfectants such as Hysolv Interkokask come recommended by the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) for use in the elite “Lion Brand” egg production code.

4️⃣ Sanitise vehicles

It’s easy to place all attention on the sheds and our personal belongings, however one key area that’s often left open to risk is vehicles. As the Government says, to ensure good biosecurity, all poultry keepers should clean and disinfect vehicles and equipment that have come into contact with poultry. Products like this hand pump sprayer make the job much quicker and easier!

5️⃣ Access control

It’s important to place birds’ feed and water in fully enclosed areas that are protected from wild birds, and remove any spilled feed regularly. Also, it’s recommended to put fencing around any outdoor areas where birds are allowed to roam – paying particular attention to limiting access to ponds or areas visited by wild waterfowl. And on that note, avoid keeping ducks and geese with other poultry species!

Get in touch

Need some more advice? We’re here to help.

If you’re in need of any assistance, or you have been affected by Avian Flu and are looking for advice, speak to a member of our team.

Our Recommended Biosecurity Equipment

FootCHECK Foot Dip

FootCHECK Foot Dip

£54.00 Excl. VAT
Hand Pump Sprayer

Hand Pump Sprayer

£15.00 Excl. VAT
Lockable Rat Bait Station

Lockable Rat Bait Station

Now £4.95 Excl. VAT
Mouse Bait Station

Mouse Bait Station

Now £0.59 Excl. VAT

Our Recommended Disinfectant Products

Lanxess Virkon S

Lanxess Virkon S

From: £1.95 Excl. VAT
Biolink Bi-OO-Cyst

Biolink Bi-OO-Cyst

From: £51.00 Excl. VAT
Hysolv Interkokask Concentrate

Hysolv Interkokask Concentrate

£160.00 Excl. VAT
Evans GPC8

Evans GPC8

£115.00 Excl. VAT
Lanxess Hyperox

Lanxess Hyperox

£64.00 Excl. VAT
Lanxess Virkon LSP

Lanxess Virkon LSP

From: £35.00 Excl. VAT
CID Lines Virocid

CID Lines Virocid

£134.00 Excl. VAT
Fumagri OPP Smoke Generator

Fumagri OPP Smoke Generator

£57.00 Excl. VAT

Our Recommended PPE Products

Moldex 2405 FFP2 Mask

Moldex 2405 FFP2 Mask

£42.00 Excl. VAT
Moldex 7000 Half Mask

Moldex 7000 Half Mask

£15.00 Excl. VAT
Moldex 7000/9000 Filters (9030)

Moldex 7000/9000 Filters (9030)

£50.00 Excl. VAT
Blue Disposable Coverall

Blue Disposable Coverall

£1.50 Excl. VAT
Latex Gloves (P/Free)

Latex Gloves (P/Free)

£3.00 Excl. VAT
Nitrile Gloves (P/Free)

Nitrile Gloves (P/Free)

£3.50 Excl. VAT
Non-Safety Wellington Boots

Non-Safety Wellington Boots

£8.00 Excl. VAT
KRUTEX Elastic Top Disposable Overboots

KRUTEX Elastic Top Disposable Overboots

£8.00 Excl. VAT

Upgrade your biosecurity with FootCHECK

✅ Reduce infection risks and cross infections on farm.

✅ Use the correct disinfectant concentration, every time.

✅ Aids in biosecurity compliance and audit disinfectant recording.

✅ Hard wearing and durable construction.

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Need some more advice? We’re here to help.