Avian Influenza

The CLA has worked closely with Defra on the development of policy to tackle avian influenza and contingency planning in order to prevent a disproportionate response. CLA is the only organisation representing the entire rural economy, poultry keepers and others.

Defra confirmed on 10 January 2008 that swans have been found with the H5N1 strain of bird flu at Abbotsbury Swannery, a sanctuary located in the Chesil Beach area in Dorset. A Wild Bird Control Area (3km) and Monitoring Area (10km) have been established around the premises. The shooting of birds and bird gatherings have been banned in these areas and bird movements will be restricted. To view the latest information and a map of the affected areas, click on: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/latest-situation/index.htm

The CLA attends emergency stakeholder meetings and can provide up to date information and advice.

The Government has granted planning permission for the whole of England for temporary and reversible works to house poultry and other captive birds, were practical, from contact with wild birds. This Guidance Note sets out new permitted development rights. To view please click here.

 To view advice on the importation of game birds prepared by BVPA and Defra, click here

Great Britain Poultry Register

Defra, the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government have launched the Great Britain Poultry Register with an aim to gathering information about certain species of birds held on commercial premises in Great Britain which would help reduce the impact of an outbreak of Avian Influenza. By law, under The Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) Regulations 2005, you must register if you own or are responsible for over 50 or more birds. For details on registration, the information you will have to provide and what bird species are included under the term “poultry” click here

To view the guidance note advising members on registering their birds click here

To view the comprehensive guidance note advising CLA members on the powers Defra officials have in the event of an outbreak and how Defra has indicated it will use them, click here

Tim Isaac MRICS FAAV – Regional Adviser - Eastern Region

A chartered surveyor, covers Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk. Tim grew up on a livestock farm in north-east Essex. He now lives there with his own family and runs a number of small-scale livestock and forestry enterprises. After graduating from Wye College with a degree in agriculture in 1996, Tim entered into private practice as a rural surveyor, specialising in farm and estate management. Since 2006, he has been the Eastern Region Surveyor for the CLA. His role includes advising and representing members on all aspects of rural business management and lobbying all levels of Government on key rural issues.

Phone: 01284 789201
FAX: 01284 789559
Email tim.isaac@cla.org.uk