Avian flu reminder to all poultry keepers

Poultry keepers in Orkney are being reminded of the national requirement to keep their birds indoors and follow the strict measures in place to limit the spread of Avian flu.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) - followed by additional housing measures - came into force across the UK during November 2021.

These measures mean that bird keepers across the UK must  - whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock - keep their birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of Avian flu and eradicate the disease.

The council is reminding all poultry keepers to:

• house or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds;
• cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing;
• reduce 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 use effective vermin control;
• thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis;
• keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points;
• minimise 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.

If anyone spots a dead wild bird, such as ducks, swans and geese, gulls falcons or other birds of prey - or five or more other types of birds dead in one location – do not touch the carcass and report to DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) dead wild bird helpline 03459 33 55 77.