Defra is reviewing GL45 in light of newly reduced AI risk level

In March, Defra issued its new general licence GL45, which covers the release of gamebirds in and near to 29 of the 31 Special Protection Areas (SPA) for which individual licences (IL) were issued last year. When GL45 was originally issued, the avian influenza (AI) risk level in wild birds was ‘medium’, however that risk level has now been reduced to ‘low’. In line with both the guiding habitats regulations assessment (HRA) and the Secretary of State for the Environment’s announcement on 1 February 2024, Defra will now review the implications of the new ‘low’ risk level on gamebird release inside and within 500m of SPAs. Defra’s internal review will be followed by the seeking of statutory nature conservation advice, after which an updated GL45 may be issued. We have welcomed the announcement that an updated GL45 with fewer restrictions could be in place by the end of May. 

Defra have also confirmed that the IL applications received so far are being considered under the current ‘low’ AI wild bird risk level. It is important to stress that until any change is made, the current GL45 remains in force, and anyone who wishes to release in an SPA not covered by GL45 or cannot comply with the conditions of GL45, must apply for an IL.  

GL45, as it currently stands, does not require shoots to apply or register the release of gamebirds, but its conditions must be met. These include: release densities within the SPA and its 500m buffer zone covered by the licence; the reporting of release activity; vet checks and mandatory testing; biosecurity measures; compliance and monitoring; and SPA-specific conditions.  To read more about the current GL45 and its conditions, please click here. 

The AI risk level in wild birds, refers to the H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza risk level in birds in Great Britain. The new ‘low’ risk level is defined as “event is rare but does occur”, the previous designated risk level ‘medium’ is defined as “event occurs regularly”. To read more about the reduction of the AI risk level in wild birds, please click here.