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About the IRDC

The INDIAN RUNNER DUCK CLUB was created to look after the health and welfare of this unique duck and to help those people who keep, breed and show pure Indian Runners. Set up in 2000 by a group of waterfowl breeders in the UK, this club has attracted interest from both exhibitors and pet-keepers. There has also been contact from commercial duck-keepers and from artists who paint and model these graceful birds.

From 2000 – 2020, the club brought together Runner enthusiasts at the shows, and the Newsletters provided information regarding exhibition, results and the breeding of pure colours plus general information on good husbandry and health. The current avian influenza situation has halted those activities and new membership of the Club has been suspended for the moment. Subscriptions to the club have been paused since 2021.
The website is continuing as a useful source of information.

The aims of the IRDC are to:

  • promote the health and welfare of the birds;
  • encourage the breeding of pure Indian Runner ducks;
  • contribute to the maintenance of the breed standard;
  • provide help and information for members.

The committee at present consists of a chairperson, vice-chair, secretary(post vacant) treasurer plus committee members. These include nine Indian Runner judges.

The Committee Includes:

  • Chairman - Julian Burrell
  • Acting Secretary - post vacant
  • Treasurer Chris Ashton
  • Vice Chairman - James Rigby

Committee Members

  • Mike Ashton
  • Judith Barnett
  • Graham Hicks
  • Antonia Hudson
  • Keith May
  • Mike Mayers
  • Rachel Mayers
  • Roy Pryce

Representatives Abroad

  • Bart Poulmans (Belgium)
  • Colin Davis(Canada)

The current situation September/ October 2023

The serious spread of avian influenza into the wild bird and sea bird population has led to increasingly stringent limitations on the keeping and exhibition of ducks, geese and poultry generally. ‘Bird gatherings’ (shows and exhibitions) were cancelled in 2022 and 2023. A limited number of local events have now been sanctioned by Defra in late 2023, but they have excluded waterfowl, which are deemed to be at higher risk of infection and thus spread of virus. Chickens are generally kept in a more restricted environment and are therefore seen as lower risk in potential disease transmission.

The likelihood (Autumn 2023) is that further AI cases will follow the September 2023 commercial poultry outbreaks in pheasants near Warrington and Uttoxeter. Poultry movement will need careful assessment. The situation is unlikely to change in the short term.

The FAO report (the link below) is well worth reading. It explains why the disease has become so extensive and so entrenched.
Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds statement on: H5N1 High pathogenicity avian influenza in wild birds - Unprecedented conservation impacts and urgent needs July 2023 www.cms.int/sites/default/files/publication/avian_influenza_2023_aug.pdf External link image

As a consequence of few bird gatherings, breeding of birds has been curtailed, and some keepers have given up their birds due these restrictions. Keepers are also expected to observe strict hygiene and separation from wild birds, details of which are available on the DEFRA website at www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england External link image and on Facebook at the APHA Animal and Plant Health Agency www.facebook.com/search/top?q=animal%20and%20plant%20health%20agency External link image

A map of the current disease situation is constantly available and updated at www.defra.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8cb1883eda5547c6b91b5d5e6aeba90d External link image

Page last updated: 9th October 2023