Further advice offered to bird owners to protect animals from bird flu

Today, Monday 23 December, bird owners are being asked to house birds of all varieties following the increased risk of bird flu across Lincolnshire.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was introduced across the county on Friday, 13 December, outlining a number of regulations bird keepers should follow.

Now, all keepers across areas in the AIPZ must keep their birds housed, regardless of size or purpose. These measures mean owners must:

• house all poultry and captive birds (except in specific circumstances e.g. zoo birds)
• 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)

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “There continues to be a growing number of bird flu cases on commercial farms and in backyard birds across East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. We have taken action to try and prevent the further spread of disease and urge bird keepers to comply with the new housing measures.

“Bird keepers must continue to exercise robust biosecurity measures, remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”

The public are also being advised to report any signs of bird flu. To do so, visit Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds – GOV.UK

For further advice, watch the video here.