Warning to poultry keepers after confirmed outbreak of bird flu in Cornwall
Cornwall Council's Trading Standards has issued advice after cases near Newlyn
Last updated 24th Aug 2022
Cornwall Council's Trading Standards is reminding all keepers of poultry within a 3km exclusion zone near Newlyn that they are legally required to take measures to reduce the risk of bird flu spreading.
People also being reminded not to touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds and follow the guidance on Defra's advice to the public page.
Public Health Cornwall says that while the health risks to the general public are low, people should not feed wild birds to further reduce the risk and stop the virus spreading.
The reminders follow confirmation by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) that cases of avian influenza were confirmed on 19th August in captive wild birds (non-poultry) near Newlyn.
A 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone has been put in place around the premises.
What is the advice to poultry keepers?
The Council has written to all keepers of poultry within the controlled zone 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.
• Bird keepers must follow strict biosecurity measures which include:
• Disinfecting all vehicles which have been transporting poultry and disinfecting all crates, containers, plastic egg trays and other equipment before and after use.
• Keep farm access routes, parking areas, yards, areas around buildings and storage areas clean and tidy and well maintained,
• Keep all poultry houses or sheds well maintained to ensure that wild birds do not nest or roost in them.
• Keep wild birds, dogs, cats, rodents, and other livestock out of poultry buildings and feed stores.
Jane Tomlinson Trading Standard Manager covering Animal Health and Welfare at Cornwall Trading Standards Service, said: "Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, poultry keepers are legally required to meet the enhanced biosecurity procedures to protect their birds from this highly infectious virus.
"We are responsible for enforcement of these legal requirements and our officers are working hard to help and advise poultry keepers. We recommend all poultry keepers sign up to the Defra poultry register and the disease alert service where they will receive regular text updates".
Brian O’Neill, Consultant in Public Health at Cornwall Council, said: "Bird flu is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to people’s health is low. But that’s not to say we shouldn’t be doing everything we can to stop it spreading so that risk becomes even lower.
"As well as not touching them, we would also strongly urge people not to feed wild birds at their local ponds, lakes and rivers as large gatherings of birds make transmission of the virus more likely".
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.
Read More:
Outbreak of bird flu confirmed in west Cornwall
Samples from Cornwall wild bird hospital test positive for bird flu
Bird flu warning after dead gulls and gannets found in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly