New measures to protect poultry and captive birds against Avian Flu
Cumbria Trading Standards are advising Poultry Keepers of the new measures to protect birds against Avian Flu.
On 14 December, new housing measures will come into force making it a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and they must follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.
These housing measures build on the strengthened biosecurity regulations that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) on 11 November. The AIPZ means that all captive bird and poultry keepers need to take extra precautions, such as cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles, limiting access to non-essential people on their sites, and workers changing clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures.
Poultry and captive bird keepers are advised to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns. They can help prevent avian flu by maintaining good biosecurity on their premises, including:
- Housing or netting all poultry and captive birds
- Cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds - if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- Reducing 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 using effective vermin control
- Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting housing at the end of a production cycle
- Keeping fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all points where people should use it, such as farm entrances and before entering poultry and captive bird housing or enclosures
- Minimising 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.
Public health advice is that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products, including eggs.
The new housing measures will be from 14 December onwards and will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to protect flocks.
Poultry and captive bird keepers and members of the public should report dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 (option 7), and keepers should report suspicion of disease to APHA on 03000 200 301. Keepers should familiarise themselves with the latest avian flu advice.
