New confirmed outbreak of bird flu in west Cornwall
The Animal and Plant Health Agency says cases have been identified at a premises near Constantine
Last updated 30th Aug 2022
Poultry at a premises in west Cornwall have tested positive for bird flu.
A new outbreak has been confirmed at a site near Constantine, according to The Animal and Plant Health Agency {APHA).
Officials said all birds would be humanely culled and both Protection and Surveillance Zones have been introduced.
The declaration on the government's website says: "Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed on 29th August at a premises near Constantine".
It continues: "A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone has been declared around the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled".
Another outbreak has also been confirmed in captive wild birds (non-poultry) near Paignton, where affected birds will be culled and a 3km Captive Bird Monitoring Controlled Zone is now in force.
Information on the government website states: "The risk of avian influenza has now reduced to low (meaning, event is rare but does occur) for all poultry.
"As a result, the mandatory requirements were lifted from midday on Tuesday 16th August.
"Whilst the risk level in kept birds has reduced, all bird keepers should still follow enhanced biosecurity measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks".
What areas are affected in Cornwall?
The confirmed cases near Constantine follows a separate outbreak in west Cornwall, at a site near Newlyn.
Shortly after that was declared, Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital confirmed all of its birds were being culled after samples tested positive.
Since then, multiple dead sea birds have been discovered around Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust has issued several updates on its social media sites, with the most recent of which, on 24th August, said almost 50 dead birds had washed up on its shores.
The Council had already written to all keepers of poultry within the controlled zone near Newlyn to remind them that they must house all poultry and captive birds, and that there is a ban on release of game birds, which applies to all zones in the declaration.
This means all bird keepers within the controlled zone, regardless of whether they are pet birds, a commercial flock or just a few birds in a backyard, must keep their birds indoors and keep a close watch on them for signs of disease.
How can I report suspected cases of bird flu?
Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds, you must report it by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
If you find dead wild swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77).
You can sign up to the APHA alerts service or to receive email alerts from Defra.