Cornwall has never seen bird flu to this extent, wildlife sanctuary says
Paradise Park is stepping up biosecurity measures after the declaration of a prevention zone
Last updated 1st Sep 2022
Paradise Park in Cornwall says the threat of avian flu from both the estuary and wild birds is greater than it has ever been.
The Hayle attraction is further stepping up biosecurity measures following the declaration of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone in the Duchy, Devon and parts of Somerset.
The announcement from Defra, on Wednesday 31st August, means ALL keepers need to follow stricter measures by law.
It was made following several confirmed outbreaks in our region, including near Newlyn and Constantine in west Cornwall.
Paradise Park's Curator, David Woolcock, told us he does not believe the Duchy has ever seen bird flu to this extent.
David said: "This is extremely uncommon. Normally we have cases of bird flu in the UK during the autumn and winter months. It's, very unusual, in fact it's pretty much unheard of, to have them this late in the season. I don't think, to my knowledge, we've ever had bird flu in Cornwall to the extent we're having it right now".
Speaking about the park's biosecurity measures, David said: "There's been an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone throughout the whole of Great Britain since the autumn/winter of last year and, in fact, it was only lifted on the 16th August this year.
"We actually did keep all of of our biosecurity measures in place and, in fact, we actually enhanced them because we realised the threat from the estuary and wild birds was greater than it had ever been".
The measures currently in place at Paradise Park include everything from footbaths for staff and visitors to covering certain enclosures.
That includes temporarily housing their flock of flamingos indoors.
However, the attraction says it remains open and 95% of its exhibits are operating as normal.
David added: "The most important thing is to remind people not to touch or handle any sick, or injured or dead birds. Although the risk is small, there is a risk there and we would like to protect the public.
"Any wild bird that you do find that's sick or injured or dead, please phone the Defra helpline and they will hopefully come and deal with it".
How can I report a suspected case of bird flu?
Poultry keepers and members of the public should report dead wild birds to Defra's national dead wild bird helpline on 03459 33 55 77 (please select option 7).
Keepers should report suspicion of disease in their birds to APHA on 03000 200 301 and also familiarise themselves with Defra's avian flu advice.
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