Letter sent to homes around Bird Flu outbreak near Dorchester
Households in West Staffard, Broadmayne and south Dorchester have been written to
Households within a 3km radius of an outbreak of bird flu in Dorchester have been written to by Dorset Council.
Homes in Broadmayne, West Stafford and south Dorchester have been asked to register details of any captive birds and poultry.
The 3km is known as a Disease Control Zone. Bird keepers must take special measures now to heighten biosecurity and keep birds safe from the disease and prevent further spread. Full details on the restrictions are available at www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu.
People who do not keep birds are being told they can disregard the letter.
If poultry or other captive birds are being kept, then bird keepers are being asked to record details of them by using one of the options below:
Option 1
By completing the form at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/bird-flu
Option 2
Contact Dorset Council by calling 01305 221000
A spokesperson for Dorset Council said:
"These details will be passed onto the Animal and Plant Health Agency to help their veterinary staff to assess the risk of avian influenza spread.
"They may contact or visit the address to carry out a visual inspection of the birds to assess their health. They will be in touch if they need to do this.
"The risk to public health from the virus is very low, however it is important that people don’t pick up sick or dead birds. "
14 birds have been found dead in recent weeks at Poole Park.
A BCP Council spokesperson said:
“Two birds from Poole Park were tested by Defra (Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) and confirmed as having Avian Flu, also known as Bird Flu, on 25 November 2022.
"Very sadly ten swans, three geese and one coot have been found dead in recent weeks and these have been reported to Defra and removal has been arranged in accordance with government guidelines.
"Any sick birds are taken care of by the RSPCA. It is suggested that dogs are kept on leads and all contact with wild birds, dead or alive, should be avoided."
How to report dead birds
You can report dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds such as gulls or birds of prey, by calling the Defra helpline 03459 335577 (option 7).