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<p>The United Kingdom is currently experiencing its biggest ever outbreak of Avian
Influenza (AI) in poultry and captive birds. Defra’s approach aims to reduce adverse
impacts on the rural and wider economy, the public, rural communities and the environment
(including impact on wildlife), whilst protecting public health and minimising the
overall cost of any outbreak.</p><p> </p><p>During AI outbreaks the release of game
birds in the UK is tightly restricted. Due to the global nature of AI, countries such
as France which supply the UK with gamebird hatching eggs have also been affected
by AI.</p><p> </p><p>Biosecurity at our borders is also paramount in protecting our
game farming and shooting sectors. The restrictions put in place on imports, limiting
the number of gamebirds that can enter the country, ultimately exist to prevent further
outbreaks in poultry farms and gamebird premises.</p><p> </p><p>We recognise that
any sustained interruption to normal supplies of gamebirds due to AI outbreaks is
likely to impact those business that make available gamebirds for commercial hunting
in the UK.</p><p> </p><p>We continue to monitor the current situation both in Europe
and globally, as well as the effectiveness of any disease control measures taken.
Any future decisions on disease control measures will be based upon the latest scientific,
ornithological, and veterinary advice.</p>
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