Gamebird ‘catching up’ permitted following Defra risk assessment

[Conor O'Gorman]

Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZs) in England, Scotland and Wales amended today (9 January 2023) have confirmed that ‘catching up’, the process of taking wild gamebirds for restocking breeding purposes, is permitted following the publication of a new Defra risk assessment.

In addition to following existing best practice rules, the AIPZs have been updated to include new mandatory measures to minimise the risk of an avian influenza infection as result of ‘catching up’.

The new measures include a requirement that caught up birds must kept for a minimum of 21 days before they can be moved to another premises (other than in specific situations and such movement is licenced). This timescale is in-line with other movement restrictions associated with preventing the spread of avian influenza.

More information:

'Catching up' permitted following risk assessment - The British Association for Shooting and Conservation

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zones in England, Scotland and Wales were amended today, 9 January, following a Defra risk assessment.

basc.org.uk

 

[hcm1]

The last I read, it stipulated that any catching up could only be done within the designated season for that species. Has this always been the case? I’m not that familiar with the details.

 

[nick100]

The last I read, it stipulated that any catching up could only be done within the designated season for that species. Has this always been the case? I’m not that familiar with the details.

It’s always been the case as far as I know.
Not that it’s ever stopped any one.

 

[John Doe]

The last I read, it stipulated that any catching up could only be done within the designated season for that species. Has this always been the case? I’m not that familiar with the details.

Always been the case but sadly it’s another law that the shooting world has largely chosen to ignore. To be honest, game shooting has got off very lightly in relation to avian flu. I suppose there had to be some benefit to having a bunch of Tory elites running the country!

 

[homer]

The last I read, it stipulated that any catching up could only be done within the designated season for that species. Has this always been the case? I’m not that familiar with the details.

Unless you live in Scotland, where you can catch up during the month of February.
Which makes more sence.

 

[CookM]

Why England and Wales have not been moved in line with Scotland on this l have never worked out.
Catching up in February must be a good thing.