Currently all field meets are to be suspended pending continued updates on Avian Influenza from DEFRA. The club will keep its members informed through the regions, its website and social media.
The following was received in response to Dr Mellor’s email dated 4th December 2020 asking for clarification:
Dear Dr Mellor,
Thank you for your email dated 04/12/2020
The implications of the housing measure on working birds of prey. If not already housed the birds of prey will need to be housed, (unless there are very specific circumstances preventing it) when the housing measures come into force at 00:01 on the 14 December 2020. However, keepers can still fly birds of prey, including for pest control, but they should avoid direct contact with wild birds.
The housing measures do not alter how birds of prey can be worked further than the measure currently in place under the ‘Avian Influenza Prevention Zone’. In particular, following the declaration of an the AIPZ (effective from 17:00 on 11 November 2020 until further notice) bird gatherings are not allowed to take place across GB. One bird (falcon/hawk etc.) or multiple birds that already live together are still permitted to be flown in GB under the AIPZ. However, birds that are not already housed together/on the same premises should not be flown together, as this constitutes a bird gathering.
Please see GOV.UK for further information and updates relating to Avian Influenza – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
APHA Customer Advice Team
Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)