Reminder not to handle dead birds as Avian Influenza Prevention Zone put place for bird owners across Britain

Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone in place for bird owners across the whole of Great Britain.

This places legal requirements on all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their animals.

Keepers with more than 500 birds will need to restrict access for non-essential people on their sites, workers will need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and site vehicles will need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Backyard owners with smaller numbers of poultry including chickens, ducks and geese must also take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals.

More information can be found on the UK Government website.

The Council would also reinforce national advice to members of the public that if you spot dead wild birds, 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/es. Instead, report to DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) dead wild bird helpline 03459 33 55.