Ashbourne News Telegraph

Owners told to be vigilant and prevent bird flu return

CONTROL ZONES HAD TO BE SET UP NEAR ASHBOURNE LAST YEAR

- Gareth Butterfiel­d gareth.butterfiel­d@ashbournen­ewstelegra­ph.co.uk

DERBYSHIRE County Council has backed national advice for bird keepers to be “extra vigilant” over the winter to avoid another avian flu outbreak.

The advice comes from the Government’s chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, who announced last month that the UK was officially free of the disease, more commonly known as bird flu.

The announceme­nt came after a major outbreak last winter across the UK which saw 26 outbreaks of avian flu and 300 confirmed cases in kept poultry and wild birds, including two cases in Derbyshire.

Avian flu is a type of influenza virus that spreads among birds but can also be spread to humans.

Although there have been no confirmed cases of avian flu in humans within the UK, it can infect people who have come in close contact with an infected bird, dead or alive.

In some cases, avian flu can be deadly if it is transmitte­d to humans and certain subtypes of the virus can cause serious illness or death in birds.

In December last year, a 10km protection zone was put in place in Derbyshire with its epicentre close to the A52 between Derby and Kirk Langley.

Other control zones were set up in areas close to Ashbourne, as the outbreak gathered pace, but all areas were declared free of the disease by September 3.

Derbyshire bird keepers have been asked by the council to take extra care to reduce the risk of migratory wild birds infecting domestic birds rises as winter approaches.

The council advises that all owners of birds are aware of the risks of avian flu and suggest that domestic birds’ living areas be kept clean and tidy, controllin­g rats and mice and regularly cleaning and disinfecti­ng any hard surfaces.

Also, it is suggested that chickens and turkeys be kept separate from ducks and geese.

Bird keepers should be carrying out regular maintenanc­e checks on sheds and placing birds’ feed and water in fully enclosed areas that are protected from wild birds and removing any spilled feed.

Fencing can be placed around outdoor areas where birds are allowed to limit their access to ponds or areas visited by wild waterfowl.

The council also recommends that bird keepers clean and disinfect footwear before and after entering premises where birds are kept.

Councillor Carol Hart, Derbyshire

County Council’s cabinet member for health and communitie­s said: “If people keep birds, now is the time to start putting extra measures in place to protect them as the risk of avian flu increases during the migration season. “When avian flu is suspected or confirmed restrictio­ns are immediatel­y put in place, with our Trading Standards officers on the ground ensuring people are aware and know what they need to do.

“The restrictio­ns cover large areas and can have a huge impact on farms. It’s so important that people take preventati­ve steps now to try to avoid outbreaks in our county again this winter.”

If people keep birds, now is the time to start putting extra measures in place.

Councillor Carol Hart

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