New rules come into force to stop spread of Bird Flu in Dorset
A wild goose was found with the disease
Poultry farmers in Dorset or people who keep captive birds will have to follow new rules for housing them from today. (14 December)
The regulations have been issued by the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Due to the increase in cases of Avian Influenza (bird flu) found in both wild birds and commercial poultry flocks these additional rules have been brought in to prevent further spread of the disease.
Avian influenza was confirmed in a single Canada goose on the Fleet, near Weymouth last month.
A spokesperson for Ilchester Estates said:
"A single Canada goose found dead on the Fleet Reserve has tested positive for the H5N8 strain of avian influenza.
"We have been assured by the relevant authorities that this strain of avian influenza represents a very low threat to humans. Any dead birds that are found on the Reserve during our daily monitoring will be collected and sent for testing.
"Public Health England and APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) continue to manage the situation to which we offer our full cooperation. In order to prevent the spread of the virus, members of the public are reminded to remain on the footpath and not walk on the Fleet foreshores."
The new rules follows the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) that was introduced by APHA last month.
Poultry and captive bird keepers are advised to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.
They can help prevent avian flu by maintaining good biosecurity on their premises, including:
Housing or netting all poultry and captive birds
Cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds - if practical, use disposable protective clothing
Reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and using effective vermin control
Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting housing at the end of a production cycle
Keeping fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all points where people should use it, such as farm entrances and before entering poultry and captive bird housing or enclosures
Minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
Reporting dead wild birds
Poultry and captive bird keepers and members of the public should report dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 (option 7), and keepers should report suspicion of disease to APHA on 03000 200 301.