Pheasants: Avian Influenza
Lords · Question HL514 · Tabled 1 Jun 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record
Answered 5 Jun 2026
Question
Asked by Lord Randall of Uxbridge
To ask His Majesty's Government for what reason captive bred pheasants released and managed for shooting are considered wild birds under avian influenza rules; and what plans they have to reconsult on this classification.
Answer
Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock, 5 Jun 2026
In the event of a confirmed case of notifiable avian disease in gamebirds, The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) makes an assessment of whether the gamebirds are considered for the purposes of disease control to be kept poultry or wild birds. Decision...