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Written question asked by Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Conservative) on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Avian Influenza: Disease Control

Question

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

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 widespread morbidity and mortality in wild birds. The review concludes that captive-reared juvenile mallards have potential to act as both a reservoir and amplifier of H5N1 and to play a major role in H5N1’s continued persistence and dissemination.

The release of captive-reared mallards is already prohibited in Protection Zones, Surveillance Zone and Captive Bird Monitoring Controlled Zones. Releases are also prohibited in Avian Influenza Prevention Zones with housing measures.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL826
Session
2026-27
Attachment
Risk Review
Subjects
Disease control Poultry Avian influenza
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk