A recent outbreak of bird flu among pheasants in Worcestershire, England, has sparked alarm regarding the lax regulations governing the rearing of these birds. The Animal and Plant Health Authority (APHA) confirmed that twenty non-native pheasants were infected, marking the most significant incident of the year. This outbreak stands in stark contrast to previous reports, which had indicated no more than five birds affected at any single location since January 2024.

The current bird flu crisis originated from commercial geese farms in Asia in 1996, subsequently spreading to poultry farms and wild birds. Pheasants are classified as wild animals once released, which means they are not subject to the same biosecurity measures that apply to domestic poultry. This classification has resulted in a lack of restrictions on their movement, raising concerns about the potential for further disease transmission to native bird populations.

Critics have pointed out the problematic legal status of pheasants, which allows them to be treated as wild animals despite being reared and fed by estates. This status leads to a lack of control zones that could mitigate the spread of the virus. There are fears that shooting estates may continue their operations without any legal obligation to suspend them, potentially increasing the risk of the disease spreading further.

In contrast, individuals who keep domestic chickens are required to register with the government and follow strict biosecurity protocols, such as limiting contact with wild birds. Estates across England rear, feed, and release pheasants for sport shooting, yet once released, these birds fall under the category of wild animals, exempting them from crucial biosecurity measures.

Experts have warned that the large-scale release of pheasants poses a significant threat to the UK’s native bird population. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has called for mandatory registration and licensing for those involved in the rearing and releasing of pheasants. The RSPB emphasizes the vulnerability of pheasants to highly pathogenic avian influenza, advocating for a statutory code of practice that includes mandatory reporting of movements and releases.

As the situation develops, the pressing need for stricter regulations regarding the management of pheasants becomes increasingly clear, highlighting the importance of safeguarding both wildlife and public health in the UK.