Avian Influenza: Disease Control
Lords · Question HL826 · Tabled 10 Jun 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record
Answered 16 Jun 2026
Question
Asked by Lord Randall of Uxbridge
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the need to regulate captive-reared mallard releases to reduce the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza to (1) wild birds, and (2) poultry.
Answer
Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock, 16 Jun 2026
A 2024 Natural England risk review [see attached] concluded that there is a very high likelihood that captive-reared mallards will be exposed to highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 after release. Once exposed, there is a very high likelihood of widespr...