People who keep birds in East Sussex are being alerted to new measures to prevent the spread of bird flu. The public are also been asked to watch for dead birds – signs continue to be displayed at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
A mandatory housing order came into effect on Thursday 6 November.
The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has ordered the controls for poultry and kept birds covering the whole of England following an escalation in avian influenza.
Locally, the most recent case was confirmed at a poultry farm at Uckfield where a new outbreak of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 was discovered. Cases in kept and wild birds have also been reported nationally.
The new measures mean bird keepers must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep more than 50 (except in specific circumstances e.g. some zoo birds) or if they sell or give eggs away.
Residents and businesses who house birds are asked to remain vigilant for any signs of disease and to report any suspected cases immediately by calling 03000 200 301.
All keepers, whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock, are also required to undertake enhanced biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease.
Further information on the latest situation and guidance to help bird keepers comply with the new rules is available via www.gov.uk/birdflu.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.
If you find small numbers of dead wild birds you can dispose of them in household or municipal bins, following the government’s safety advice which includes washing your hands after coming into contact with dead birds.
Image Credits: PickPic https://www.pickpik.com/brood-hens-in-between-green-plants-chickens-chicken-run-66362 CC https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/.