Keepers reminded to keep birds indoors

With increasing cases of avian flu in England in domestic birds, bird keepers across the UK are being reminded to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of avian flu.

The guidance must be followed, whether birdkeepers have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock, to limit the number of cases in the UK and stop the disease.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is encouraging all keepers to register their birds with them, and keep contact details up to date, so that they can contact owners quickly if there is a disease outbreak in an area and if action needs to be taken. An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) came into force across Great Britain in November 2021 and means that bird keepers must still:

• house or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds
• 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, and use effective vermin control
• thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
• keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
• minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds

To help bird keepers comply with the rules, DEFRA have updated the biosecurity advice.

If anyone identifies breaches of the above controls in Ashfield such that poultry and wild birds can mix, they can contact dutyenvironmentalhealth@ashfield.gov.uk if they have any concerns.

The risk to the general public’s health is very low with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirming that avian flu is primarily a disease of birds and, although one case has been recently found in south-west of England. Cases like this are extremely rare.

Alastair Blunkett, Service Manager for Neighbourhoods and Environment at Ashfield District Council, said:

“Over the last week we have collected a number of dead birds from Kingsmill reservoir. DEFRA have also removed a number of birds for testing, as yet though there are no confirmed cases of avian flu in Ashfield. If anyone finds a dead or visibly sick bird they should not touch it. For dead birds in Ashfield parks, please call us on 01623 450000 or email environment@ashfield.gov.uk.”

For other locations please call the DEFRA helpline on 03459 335577. DEFRA will then collect some of these birds and test them to look at the way the disease is spreading and the types of birds involved. Not all birds will be collected. Wild birds are susceptible to a range of diseases and injuries and, of course, not all dead birds will have been infected with avian influenza.

Alistair Blunkett continues:

“Signage is going up in our parks, reservoirs and ponds to warn visitors to avoid contact with wild birds and for people to wash their hands frequently, however we would repeat that the risk to humans is extremely low.”

The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

If bird keepers have more than 50 birds, they are legally required to register their flock within one month of arrival at their premises. Those with less than 50 birds, including pet birds, are strongly encouraged to register them.