RESEARCH UPDATE: AVIAN INFLUENZA

A project on avian influenza (AI) in the United Kingdom explored the knowledge, attitudes and practices of backyard poultry keepers and found that confusion over guidelines is preventing UK poultry keepers from complying with UK avian flu regulations.

Effective communication around biosecurity and poultry health has a vital role to play in efforts to control avian influenza in the UK. 

The findings highlight a pressing need to move away from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach and develop tailored messaging that addresses the specific challenges that small-scale and non-commercial keepers face.

A University of Nottingham press release explains more and an animation developed for small-scale poultry keepers is available to view on YouTube.

A Journal article 'Exploring the responses of smallscale poultry keepers to avian influenza regulations and guidance in the United Kingdom, with recommendations for improved biosecurity messaging' is available from Heliyon.