Following a confirmed case of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) near Ely, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have now put in place a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone to try to stop the further spread of the disease.
The zones introduce a range of additional rules for bird keepers, as well as those involved in fresh meat and meat products, transporters and those involved in bird gatherings. Whilst housing rules are in place nationally for captive birds, there are quite broad exemptions, however, within the 3km Protection Zone, virtually all captive birds must now be housed and strict bio-security measures with record-keeping requirements in place as well as movement restrictions.
An interactive map showing where the zones are is available on www.gov.uk/bird-flu. You can also view the Declaratory Order setting out the rules, and extensive guidance on things like symptoms and how to report them, housing birds safely and applying for movement licences.
It is a legal requirement to register all captive birds now, even if you just have a few hens in the garden. If you haven’t already done so, visit www.gov.uk. This will enable the APHA to keep you up to date with Avian Influenza developments. You can also sign up to APHA’s animal disease text alert service.
Cambridgeshire County Council has a role in supporting DEFRA and the APHA as part of the national animal disease contingency plan, with its Trading Standards team responsible for ensuring the Declaratory Order is being complied with. These rules are there to protect not only livelihoods and valuable commercial bird stocks, but also much-loved pets, and with such a virulent strain, it is vital bird keepers adhere to them.
Anyone with concerns about breaches should report the information to Trading Standards advice partner, the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, on 0808 223 1133.
Road signs will also be erected by Cambridgeshire County Council on the main entry points to the zone on behalf of the APHA, to make bird transporters aware they are entering an animal disease control zone.
Councillor Alison Whelan, Chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said “I would encourage all poultry keepers to familiarise themselves with, and do their utmost to comply with, all restrictions now in place.
“We are a rural county, blessed with a wide range of commercial bird keepers. Their livelihoods and the health of their flocks depend on all bird keepers – large and small - doing their bit to prevent the further spread of this disease.
“Check your birds frequently for symptoms of Bird Flu - know the tell-tale signs and immediately report any ill-health to your veterinarian. If you suspect Bird Flu, you must by law report it to APHA on 03000 200 301”
It is important to emphasise that 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. Nevertheless, the public are being asked not to touch dead wild birds, but should report them to DEFRA online at www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds or by calling 03459 33 55 77.
Furthermore, 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.
More information about Bird 'Flu is available on our website: Bird Flu | Cambridgeshire County Council
