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Biosecurity guidance for gamekeepers and shoot managers

Why biosecurity matters

Good biosecurity is one of the most effective tools gamekeepers and shoot managers have to protect biodiversity, uphold high standards of gamebird and wildlife management and secure the future of shooting for the rural communities who depend on it.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has identified consistent, well-applied biosecurity as the most important factor in limiting the spread of infectious disease in gamebird rearing and releasing.

Simple biosecurity measures can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of spreading diseases and invasive species. We’ve summarised some of them below, but for a more comprehensive guide, read the avian influenza biosecurity advice for shoots and participants.

Biosecurity around gamebirds

Carry out a simple risk assessment
Before any release, assess your release pen or site, considering planned activities and relevant local factors, e.g. proximity to water, wild waterfowl, and movement of people and equipment. Assess your pen against the pheasant release pen scoring system.

Check and follow current avian influenza requirements
Always comply with any disease control measures in force, including Disease Control Zones and Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZs). In some instances, these can prohibit release while in place.

Prepare and manage pens
Clean and disinfect equipment, e.g. feeders and drinkers, before use. Do not mix birds from different sources within the same pen. Ensure all staff understand and follow your biosecurity procedures.

Control access and maintain biosecurity
Limit access to essential ‘personnel’, use appropriate signage and, where possible, keep gates locked and secured. Use dedicated clothing and footwear or disinfect boots in a dedicated foot dip (prior to entry and exit) with an approved disinfectant. Clean vehicles before entering release areas. Follow the Code of Good Shooting Practice guide to biosecurity.

Monitor pens daily
Check birds as appropriate. Act quickly and seek veterinary advice immediately if any concerns arise. Prompt intervention can often prevent serious issues from developing.

Maintain accurate record keeping and reporting
Remember to keep clear, consistent records: e.g. bird placement, daily health observations, behavioural changes, feed and water issues, mortality, and all visitor access (including dates, times and contact details). Records must be readily available if required for veterinary investigation. Dispose of any carcasses in line with biosecurity requirements. It is a legal requirement to report avian influenza in kept birds, so familiarise yourself with the different signs of the disease and how to report it.

We’ve produced a simple, daily checklist for you to use when visiting your pens. Download it here.

Biosecurity in the run-up to a shoot day

As part of your normal planning and risk assessment, consider the biosecurity aspects relevant to your shoot.

Provide participants with any biosecurity guidance or requirements several days in advance, alongside your other pre-shoot information, so they have time to familiarise themselves with it.

During periods of increased disease risk, such as an avian influenza outbreak, check whether any Disease Control Zones or Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZs) are in place and act accordingly.

Where additional disease control measures apply, make participants aware that if they or their dog have visited known infected sites, they should not attend until satisfied they have eliminated the risk of spreading disease.

Ask participants to arrive with clean boots, clothing, vehicles and equipment.

Biosecurity on a shoot day

Before and during the shoot

Provide appropriate hygiene facilities, including foot dips, brushes and disinfectant where required.

On the day, make participants aware of any additional biosecurity measures in place, and ensure they understand and follow instructions on vehicle access, cleaning procedures and any other requirements.

Identify sensitive areas, such as those where laying birds are kept, and restrict access accordingly.

After the shoot

Provide foot dips where appropriate and encourage participants to clean and disinfect their footwear before leaving. While vehicles may not always be cleaned before leaving the site, remind participants that they should be cleaned and disinfected before attending another shoot or visiting premises where birds are kept.

Keep an easily accessible record of all attendees, including contact details, so they can be contacted promptly if any issues arise.