[We're receiving regular updates from Defra and will update this article as we hear more]
From 18 January 2018, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone applies to everyone who keeps poultry or captive birds in England.
The latest guidance for bird keepers is available at: gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
If you have any questions about the declaration, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01720 424317 or environmentalhealth@scilly.gov.uk.
The Council's Senior Environmental Health Officer, Mike Coates, and Animal Health Inspector, Heike Dorn, are contacting premises to check that the arrangements are suitable and offering advice in order to ensure compliance with this declaration from Defra.
Bird keepers across the country must:
- Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources
- Feed and water your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds
- Minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures
- Clean and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy
- Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas.
Keepers with more than 500 birds will also be required to take some extra biosecurity measures including:
- Restricting access to non-essential people
- Changing clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures
- Cleaning and disinfecting vehicles
The prevention zone will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review.