"Biosecurity is huge": Poultry farm reacts to confirmed cases of bird flu in Cornwall
Cornwall Council has confirmed two swans were found to be infected in the Falmouth area
Last updated 30th Jan 2021
A poultry farm reacts to the announcement that cases of bird flu have been confirmed in Cornwall, describing its own biosecurity as huge.
Redruth Poultry says the discovery of two infected swans in the Falmouth area is worrying, because Avian Influenza can spread so easily.
The bodies were collected by the Animal Plant Health Agency, an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Tests confirmed that both birds were infected with the H5N8 strain of the virus.
Cases of bird flu have been confirmed in Cornwall
Jacqui Young works for Redruth Poultry, now part of Carnrock Farm, which sells poultry and offers a poultry boarding serve.
"It's quite worrying really because obviously it's a horrible disease and it affects lots of people's livelihoods.
"You don't want to go in and out of pens without making sure you're as disinfected as possible. Even to the point where you're wearing an all-in-one suit when you're in and out with your birds".
"You're trying to prevent the risk of contamination from wild birds so they're all netted off and everything.
"Biosecurity on the farm is huge because you can bring something like bird flu in on your boots even".
Jacqui Young, Redruth Poultry
What should you do if you find sick or dead birds?
Cornwall Council is working with Public Health England, DEFRA and other agencies to closely monitor the situation however there is not believed to be any immediate risk to human health.
The UK's Chief Veterinary Officer is urging all bird keepers to ensure they do all they can to maintain and strengthen biosecurity.
"Following a number of confirmed cases of avian influenza in both wild and captive birds we have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease.
"It is important that bird keepers ensure they are doing all they can to maintain and strengthen biosecurity measures on their premises to prevent further outbreaks, including keeping their birds housed or otherwise separate from wild birds.
"People should avoid contact with dead or sick wild birds and report findings of dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 and select option 7".
Christine Middlemiss, UK's Chief Veterinary Officer