More bird flu patrols after new cases are discovered

EXTRA patrols are being carried out after two new cases of bird flu were discovered at commercial poultry farms around Barrow-upon-Soar.

The new cases follow on from outbreaks at two other premises in Charnwood two weeks ago, meaning there are now four locations in the borough where the virus has been found.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has declared disease control zones surrounding the infected premises, which means it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers in the affected area to follow increased biosecurity measures.

Bird flu is mostly only a risk to birds but has caused a number of human deaths around the world, according to the NHS website.

A new strain first discovered in 2016 called H5N8 managed to infect a number of people in Russia earlier this year, raising fears it is more transmissible.

There is no vaccine for the virus. Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for regulatory services at Leicestershire County Council, whose trading standards officers are carrying out the patrols, said: “We are continuing to work closely with Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to help reduce the spread of the disease.

“Bird keepers can help protect their birds by ensuring they follow the legal requirements in regard to housing and biosecurity measures.”

The measures include limiting movements of birds, eggs and everything they come in contact with, as well as other animals that are in close contact with them.

There are also requirements to keep owned birds away from wild birds - by putting up nets if necessary.

Infected animals on the sites where infection is found are killed humanely.

Bird keepers can check whether they are in a disease control zone on the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Interactive Map and find out further information on the cases and movement restrictions and licensing in the zones on gov.uk.

All sites where birds are kept that are within six miles of the locations where bird flu has been discovered are now within a “surveillance zone” and road signs are being put up to warn people entering the areas that bird flu has been detected. The zone includes Barrow-upon-Soar and the surrounding villages and also extends to northern parts of Leicester, including parts of the Mowmacre Hill and Beaumont Leys neighbourhoods. People are being warned not to touch or pick up any dead or sick birds they find. Anyone who finds dead swans, geese, ducks or other wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

Bird keepers can help protect birds by ensuring they follow requirements in housing and biosecurity