03 March 2017

Government and countryside organisations issue a revised update for bird flu and gamebirds

Bird FluAs the serious and notifiable disease H5N8 bird flu continues to be found in wild birds and some kept flocks in the UK, government has come together with countryside and shooting organisations, including the GWCT, to issue the following important information to all involved with gamebirds.

This REVISED version reflects new laws in GB in place from 28 February and it replaces the original document dated 13 January 2017.

The latest information has been published by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, BASC, the Countryside Alliance, the CLA, the Game Farmers Association the National Gamekeepers Organisation, and the Scottish Gamekeepers Association. It has been endorsed by Defra and the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments.


Notes to editors

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.

For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk