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<p>Unprecedented outbreaks of avian influenza continue to be seen in both the UK and
Europe as well as North America in both kept and wild birds. We recognise the significant
threat highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is posing to wild birds, and in particular
our seabird populations and it is deeply saddening to see the impact this is having
on these important species.</p><p> </p><p>On the 31 August 2022 Defra together with
Welsh Government published the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mitigation-strategy-for-avian-influenza-in-wild-birds-in-england-and-wales"
target="_blank">Mitigation Strategy for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in England and
Wales</a>. This Strategy set out practical guidance to support land managers, the
public and ornithological and environmental organisations in their response to the
growing threat of avian influenza to wild birds, working alongside government action
to monitor the disease. The Strategy sets out how these groups, together with the
government and its delivery partners, can mitigate the impact of avian influenza on
wild bird populations whilst protecting public health, the wider environment and the
rural economy. The <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mitigation-strategy-for-avian-influenza-in-wild-birds-in-england-and-wales"
target="_blank">Mitigation Strategy for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in England and
Wales</a> supports the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notifiable-avian-disease-control-strategy"
target="_blank">Notifiable Avian Disease Control Strategy for Great Britain</a>, and
is based on the latest scientific, veterinary and ornithological advice and is in
line with international best practice.</p><p> </p><p>In addition to existing stakeholder
engagement forums addressing the latest situation and disease prevention, mitigation
and control measures with regard to the avian influenza. Defra and the Joint Nature
Conservation Committee (JNCC), in conjunction with the devolved administrations will
also be working with key experts to assess what further conservation actions conservation
actions and monitoring can be implemented to protect vulnerable species and help populations
recover.</p>
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