New guidelines are being launched for poultry keepers as chicken flu circumstances rise throughout the nation.
The brand new housing measures, which can come into power on Monday, November 29, imply that will probably be a authorized requirement for all chicken keepers throughout the UK to maintain their birds indoors and to comply with strict biosecurity measures in an effort to restrict the unfold of and eradicate the illness.
Wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe in the course of the winter months can carry the illness and this could result in circumstances in poultry and different captive birds.
Housing measures have been in place for components of North Yorkshire since November 21 following various confirmed and suspect circumstances of H5N1 avian influenza in poultry within the space.
The primary case of chicken flu was confirmed within the south west earlier this week, in Dorset.
READ MORE: Bird flu is confirmed in Dorset
Chief veterinary officers are encouraging chicken keepers to make use of the following 5 days to arrange for the brand new housing measures, together with taking steps to safeguard animal welfare, seek the advice of their vet and put up further housing the place obligatory.
In addition to housing birds, from Monday, November 29, keepers should often clear and disinfect tools, clothes and autos when getting into or exiting websites and restrict entry to non-essential employees or guests.
In a joint assertion the UK’s chief veterinary officers stated: “Whether or not you retain only a few birds or 1000’s, from Monday 29 November onwards you may be legally required to maintain your birds indoors, or take applicable steps to maintain them separate from wild birds.
“We now have not taken this determination calmly, taking this motion now could be the easiest way to guard your birds from this extremely infectious illness.”
Poultry and captive chicken keepers are suggested to be vigilant for any indicators of illness of their birds and any wild birds, and search immediate recommendation from their vet if they’ve any considerations.
Poultry keepers should now:
- home or web all poultry and captive birds to maintain them separate from wild birds
- cleanse and disinfect clothes, footwear, tools and autos earlier than and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if sensible, use disposable protecting clothes
- cut back the motion of individuals, autos or tools to and from areas the place poultry and captive birds are saved, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and different merchandise, and use efficient vermin management
- completely cleanse and disinfect housing on a steady foundation
- hold recent disinfectant on the proper focus in any respect farm and poultry housing entry and exit factors
- minimise direct and oblique contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, together with ensuring all feed and water is just not accessible to wild birds
Don’t contact or decide up any useless or sick birds that you simply discover. In case you discover useless swans, geese or geese or different useless wild birds, equivalent to gulls or birds of prey, you need to report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
Hen keepers ought to report suspicion of illness in England to Defra Rural Providers Helpline on 03000 200 301, in Wales contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your native Area Providers Workplace. In Northern Eire contact DAERA on 0300 200 7840. Keepers ought to familiarise themselves with our avian flu recommendation.
