Bird Keepers across North East Lincolnshire are being asked to protect their birds following an increase in the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) across Great Britain.
The first case of HPAI (H5N5) since February this year has been confirmed in commercial poultry at a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire. All poultry on the infected premises have been humanely culled.
Owners are now being advised to take care to protect their birds from being exposed to any potential HPAI. There are a number of ways to prevent birds from contracting the disease from housing them safely to following rules around racing pigeons, birds of prey and other captive birds.
Common symptoms include a swollen head, closed and runny eyes and eating less than usual.
Bird flu advice and guidance
- Register as a keeper of birds – You must register within one month of keeping poultry or other captive birds at any premises in England or Wales. You’re breaking the law if you don’t register.
- Keep birds away from other captive and wild birds
- Prevent contact with wild birds
- Maintain bird houses and sheds
- Fence off or cover standing water and pools
- Control rodents and pests
- Clean and disinfect housing
- Use clean clothing and footwear to tend to your birds
- Limit and control access to your birds
Reporting suspected HPAI
If you suspect bird flu in poultry or other captive birds, you must report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301. Bird flu is a notifiable disease in poultry and other captive birds. If you do not report it, you’re breaking the law.
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