15.12.2023

The Government has approved a measure that enables veterinarians to conduct remote video inspections of poultry located within avian influenza disease control zones. These changes stem from a focused four-week consultation involving the poultry industry and veterinary organizations, during which 97% of respondents expressed support for the authorization of remote inspections.
In the event of a confirmed case of avian influenza, control zones are established around the affected premises, imposing stringent regulations on the movement of poultry and kept birds within that zone to curb the spread of the disease. Currently, the issuance of a license by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) for such movements requires a physical inspection of the birds and premises by a veterinarian.
Under the new regulations, veterinarians in England will be empowered to conduct inspections for all types of pre-movement licenses through remote video assessments. It is important to note that this change does not diminish their professional responsibility to confirm and verify that the premises align with the necessary requirements. This adjustment is expected to facilitate more efficient inspections, leading to a quicker pace of assessment and a reduction in veterinary travel time.