Advice offered to bird owners after increase in bird flu across Lincolnshire

Certain bird owners are being asked to follow new guidelines following a rise in bird flu across the county.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) and new measures regarding the housing of birds have now been introduced to help reduce the spread and impact of the disease.

The measures do not apply to hobby keepers, only to keepers who have more than 50 birds, and those that sell or give away eggs or poultry products due to the increased biosecurity risk that comes with trading these products such as vehicle movements.  These keepers must keep their birds housed to protect them from bird flu.

In addition to this measure, the AIPZ remains in place, asking people to report on changes in egg production, mandatory record keeping, disinfecting footwear, and cleansing & disinfecting housing and concrete walkways on a continuous basis.

All bird keepers in England whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds must:

• keep feed and bedding inside
• cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds– if practical, use disposable protective clothing
• reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products
• carry out effective vermin control in any areas where poultry and captive birds are kept
• thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing and concrete walkways on a continuous basis
• keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
• make your premises unattractive to wild birds (e.g. use bird scarers, foils or streamers)

For the latest up to date information, visit Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England – GOV.UK