Important Notice: bird flu case found near Burnopfield
A confirmed case of avian influenza has occurred at premises near Burnopfield, close to the border between Gateshead and County Durham. The Government has declared a 3km radius Protection Zone and a 10km radius Surveillance Zone.
The risk to public health from the virus is very low, however it is important that people don't pick up sick or dead birds.
Staff from the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) will contact known poultry / captive bird owners within the next few days to gather further information. This information will help veterinary staff to assess the risk of avian influenza spread.
APHA veterinary staff may need to carry out an inspection of your birds to assess their health.
Please be reassured there is no automatic culling policy for avian influenza outbreaks. Birds will only be culled if avian influenza is confirmed in the flock following laboratory testing of samples, or if a veterinary risk assessment indicates a strong likelihood of significant links to an infected premise.
Compulsory registration of poultry and captive birds with APHA has been required since October 1st last year.
If you keep poultry or captive birds and have not registered, you must do so now using the following link:
Special Measures
If you have poultry or other birds at your premises, you must obey the conditions and movement restrictions within the Protection Zone.
Heightened biosecurity measures have been put in place to protect your birds from disease and prevent its spread.
All poultry and captive birds must be housed, and licences are required for movements to and from premises in the whole 10km zone.
Further information on the current avian influenza restrictions and controls which apply in the area can be found on the government website.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-England
Signs of Avian Influenza
If your birds become ill, consult your vet immediately. Avian Influenza spreads through direct contact or contaminated fluids and faeces. Symptoms in poultry include:
· Swollen head and blue discolouration of the neck and throat
· Loss of appetite and diarrhoea
· Respiratory distress (gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling, rattling)
· Reduced egg production and increased mortality
By law, if you or your vet suspect that kept birds are showing any signs of disease it must be immediately reported to APHA by telephoning 03000 200 301.
Wild Birds
If the birds are wild, no action is required. However, you can assist by reporting dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese, ducks) or other wild birds (gulls, birds of prey) to the Defra helpline at 03459 335577.
A confirmed case of avian influenza has occurred at premises near Burnopfield, close to the border between Gateshead and County Durham. The Government has declared a 3km radius Protection Zone and a 10km radius Surveillance Zone.
The risk to public health from the virus is very low, however it is important that people don't pick up sick or dead birds.
Staff from the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) will contact known poultry / captive bird owners within the next few days to gather further information. This information will help veterinary staff to assess the risk of avian influenza spread.
APHA veterinary staff may need to carry out an inspection of your birds to assess their health.
Please be reassured there is no automatic culling policy for avian influenza outbreaks. Birds will only be culled if avian influenza is confirmed in the flock following laboratory testing of samples, or if a veterinary risk assessment indicates a strong likelihood of significant links to an infected premise.
Compulsory registration of poultry and captive birds with APHA has been required since October 1st last year.
If you keep poultry or captive birds and have not registered, you must do so now using the following link:
Special Measures
If you have poultry or other birds at your premises, you must obey the conditions and movement restrictions within the Protection Zone.
Heightened biosecurity measures have been put in place to protect your birds from disease and prevent its spread.
All poultry and captive birds must be housed, and licences are required for movements to and from premises in the whole 10km zone.
Further information on the current avian influenza restrictions and controls which apply in the area can be found on the government website.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-England
Signs of Avian Influenza
If your birds become ill, consult your vet immediately. Avian Influenza spreads through direct contact or contaminated fluids and faeces. Symptoms in poultry include:
· Swollen head and blue discolouration of the neck and throat
· Loss of appetite and diarrhoea
· Respiratory distress (gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling, rattling)
· Reduced egg production and increased mortality
By law, if you or your vet suspect that kept birds are showing any signs of disease it must be immediately reported to APHA by telephoning 03000 200 301.
Wild Birds
If the birds are wild, no action is required. However, you can assist by reporting dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese, ducks) or other wild birds (gulls, birds of prey) to the Defra helpline at 03459 335577.
