Bird flu case confirmed on Isle of Wight
People are being urged to take precautions
People on the Isle of Wight are being urged to be vigilant after a case of bird flu was confirmed there.
Isle of Wight Council has issued a list of precautions after the illness was confirmed in a dead wild bird.
It marks the first confirmed case of avian influenza on the island since the beginning of national restrictions to protect poultry last November.
Anyone keeping even a few birds, including chickens, ducks and geese, is legally obliged to follow the requirements which are designed to keep domestic birds from coming into contact with wild birds, helping to keep them safe from infection.
Anyone who does find a dead or sickly wild bird should not touch it, and not let pets touch it, but contact the DEFRA helpline (03459 33 55 77).
An Isle of Wight Council spokesman said:
"Bird owners so far have mostly been careful and thorough in following the requirements for feeding arrangements and biosecurity.
"But now the disease has been confirmed here on our Island it is vital that we continue protecting the welfare of both captive and wild birds.
"It's important for everyone to be aware of this risk, because anybody could come across a dead wild bird.
"Avian influenza spreads from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces.
"The disease can also be spread by contaminated feed and water or by dirty vehicles, clothing and footwear.
"It's important to try to discourage wild birds from coming into contact with any domestic birds - to protect both of them."
What can we do to prevent bird flu from spreading?
The UK government has declared a Nationwide Prevention Zone in November 2021, and this remains in force. This means anyone who keeps poultry (including pets) must:
• House or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds;
• Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources;
• Feed and water birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds;
• Minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures;
• Clean and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy;
• Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas.
The UK Health Security Agency advises that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency advises that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.
Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are still safe to eat.
The Isle of Wight Council has already contacted owners with larger flocks, but the rules apply to everybody, right across the Island, even if they only have a few birds.
Anybody who keeps poultry, including chickens, ducks and geese, should check the government website for updates and full information on the rules.