The latest situation on avian influenza (bird flu) in the UK and advice on how to reduce the risks
Submitted by Steve on 08:43, 16th Feb, 2017 |
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Avian influenza (bird flu) is a disease of birds. The H5N8 strain of the disease has been found in wild and farmed birds in the UK. A number of measures are in place to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.
Where avian influenza has been confirmed, we put restrictions in place to limit the spread of disease, and investigate the source of the infection.
Latest situation
The H5N8 strain of the disease has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Suffolk, three linked premises on a commercial game farm in Lancashire, three separate poultry farms in Lincolnshire and in backyard flocks in North Yorkshire and Carmarthenshire. Protection and Surveillance Zone restrictions remain in place at the following sites:
Redgrave, Suffolk (confirmed on 14 February following introduction of a Temporary Control Zone on 13 February)
Use our interactive map to check if you live within the Protection or Surveillance zones around any infected premises. The Prevention Zones across GB remain in place until 28 February 2017.
The same strain has also been found in wild birds in England, Scotland and Wales. We publish a list of cases where we find avian influenza in wild birds.
H5N8 has been circulating in wild birds in Europe for several months – you can read more on the situation in Europe in the latest veterinary outbreak assessment.
If you keep poultry you are required to take action to reduce the risk of avian flu spreading.
All poultry keepers – whether commercial farmers or those with a small backyard flock – are currently required by law to house poultry or otherwise keep them separate from wild birds. This is because a Prevention Zone is currently in force across the UK. This applies until 28 February 2017.
We have done this to reduce the risks of the disease spreading, and to help protect poultry and captive birds from avian flu.
All poultry keepers are required to take steps to reduce the risk of infection via the environment, for example in wild bird droppings, by practising good biosecurity. You should do this even if your birds are inside. You should read our detailed guidance on what you need to do.
If you have a backyard flock, you should read our short, simple advice on how to comply with these rules and how to protect birds’ welfare when they’re housed.
We have also banned gatherings of poultry across the UK. This applies to birds including chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese, and restricts events such as livestock fairs, auctions and bird shows.
From 28 February we anticipate adopting a more targeted approach, with mandatory biosecurity measures across the country and continued housing or range netting in higher risk areas. Anyone planning to allow their birds outdoors from 28 February must take action now to reduce the risk of infection from birds being let outside by following Defra guidance. You can find out whether, based on current risk levels, you are likely to be affected using our interactive map.
Video: advice for keepers of backyard flocks
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Reporting suspicion of disease in your poultry
For advice and guidance on what to do if you keep poultry or to report suspicion of disease in animals, call the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301 or read our detailed guidance on avian influenza.
Reporting dead wild birds
Members of the public should report dead wild birds - such as swans, geese, ducks, gulls or birds of prey - to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77. Defra will then collect some of these birds and test them to help us understand how the disease is distributed geographically and in different types of bird.
Advice from the Chief Vet
Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens has issued the following statement:
The Government has taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease, with restrictions around affected premises and wider measures in place across the country.
To reduce the risk of bird flu spreading from bird to bird there is currently a legal requirement for all poultry keepers – even those who just keep a few birds as pets – to keep their birds housed or otherwise separate from wild birds. There is also a ban on poultry gatherings.
Bird flu is also transmitted via the environment, for example in wild bird droppings, and it is vital that keepers practice strict biosecurity. This means taking precautions such as putting up netting, keeping food and water inside and disinfecting footwear and equipment after contact with birds.
For Guernsey bird owners this advice was issued earlier this month by the States Vet in light of the continued UK restrictions -
'In light of recent, confirmed cases of H5N8 in Great Britain, the extension of this order is a precautionary measure to help prevent infection from wild birds. The ban on poultry gatherings is still in place and will be reviewed according to the level of risk.' Consequently my advice to poultry keepers in the Bailiwick of 16 December is unchanged and can be found by following this link: https://gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=105210&p=0'
The GSPCA continue to follow the guidelines set as we have nearly 100 birds in our care and a number of outdoor aviaries.
With the fact we respond to sick and injured birds safety precautions are also being followed to reduce any potential risk.
The UK Defra link above has a host of information to help in a variety of circumstances.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "We continue to monitor the UK and other neighboring countries with the continued potential risk of avian flu."
"Following the announcements from the UK and the Guernsey States Vet we continue to follow all precautionary measures at the GSPCA as we care for 100's of birds."
"Thankfully we have had no signs here in Guernsey that we are aware of but we strive to do our best with the advised precautions."
"It is hoped that things may be relaxed in the near future but while the risks still exist we all have to try and do our best to prevent any risk."
"Avian or Bird flu is spread through direct contact with infected birds dead or alive, an infected bird's droppings, or secretions from their eyes or respiratory tract, close and prolonged contact with an infected bird is generally required for the infection to spread to humans."
"Although it is thought that the risk is low here in Guernsey it is important that we all do our bit to help ensure our birds and human life is safe here in Guernsey."
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