Avian flu licensing changes raise fears of rural disruption

New government measures aimed at controlling avian influenza could bring large areas of the English countryside to a halt, with serious implications for rural jobs, economic activity and conservation efforts.

The concern centres on the release of gamebirds in and around Special Protection Areas (SPAs), where Natural England has confirmed that it is “highly unlikely” to issue release licences for many sites this season. For other areas, substantial delays are expected, based on the agency’s current position that it cannot rule out the risk of avian influenza (AI) being spread by gamebird releases.

The development follows the decision by Defra Ministers not to renew General Licence 45 (GL45), which previously allowed for the release of pheasants and red-legged partridges on or near protected sites under strict conditions. Shoots must now apply for individual licences through Natural England — a process that introduces significant uncertainty and bureaucracy during a critical planning period.

Shooting organisations warn that a large number of shoots may be affected, potentially resulting in severe economic fallout for local businesses, gamekeepers, seasonal workers and estate managers.

Ian Bell, Chief Executive of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, said: “The approach taken by Natural England risks jobs and will have a huge impact on rural economies, not to mention the conservation benefits that sustainable shooting delivers for species and habitats.

“These new restrictions risk bringing large parts of the countryside to a standstill. While we recognise the need to manage the risk of avian influenza, the damage to the countryside could be irreparable. The government should commit to revisiting licensing decisions as the risk of AI dissipates.

“The fight we face over the coming months will be considerable and challenging. But our teams are prepared. We have built up extensive conservation, legal and political expertise, and we are ready to use every lever possible to support our members. BASC experts are already helping to build credible licence applications and will stand with our members across the country.”

Calls are now being made for government and its agencies to adopt a more flexible stance and to reassess licensing decisions as the risk of AI decreases — particularly as the summer period approaches, when transmission levels typically drop..