Another outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in Cornwall
Poultry at a premises near Torpoint tested positive at the end of last week
After the declaration of an 'Avian Influenza Prevention Zone' across parts of the South West, another outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in Cornwall.
On 8th September, poultry tested positive at a premises near Torpoint, where all birds will be humanely culled.
A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone were declared around the affected area.
It follows two other outbreaks in the west of the Duchy, near Newlyn and Constantine.
On 31st August, Defra confirmed it had declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, covering the whole of Cornwall, Devon and parts of Somerset.
Bird flu outbreak near Torpoint
The government website states: "Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in poultry on 8th September at a premises near Torpoint, South East Cornwall. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone was declared around the premises. All poultry and captive birds will be humanely culled.
"For details of the cases and the measures that apply in the disease control zones in England, see the avian influenza: cases and disease control zones in England guidance. You can also find out about licences for movements from disease control zones in force".
What is an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone?
The government website states: "Following a number of detections of avian influenza in poultry and wild and captive birds across the South West of England a regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared in Cornwall, Devon, Isles of Scilly and part of Somerset.
"There is now a legal requirement for all bird keepers to implement enhanced biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks.
"Details of the conditions and a map of the zone can be found in the Declaration of Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (England).
"All poultry gatherings, including at fairs, shows and markets, remain banned, due to a large number of flocks mixing together and the risk posed by any infections spreading across the country".
What is the advice to bird keepers?
Defra says: "All bird keepers (whether you have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) must keep a close watch on them for signs of disease and maintain good biosecurity at all times. If you have any concerns about the health of your birds, seek prompt advice from your vet.
"You should register your poultry, even if only kept as pets, so we can contact you during an outbreak. This is a legal requirement if you have 50 or more birds. Poultry includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeon (bred for meat), partridge, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants.
"You can sign up to the APHA alerts service to keep up to date with the latest news.
You can also get Defra email alerts or subscribe to Defra's RSS feed by copying and pasting the RSS feed URL into your feed reader.
What is the advice to the public?
Avian influenza (bird flu) is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. Failure to do so is an offence.
To report dead wild birds, you should call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) if you find:
One or more dead bird of prey or owl
Three or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks)
Five or more dead birds of any species
Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds. More advice is available on the Defra website.