BIRD FLU: How Lancashire is preventing the spread
Bird keepers in Lancashire with more than 500 birds now need to restrict access for non-essential people on their sites.
Workers will also need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures while backyard owners with smaller numbers of birds are also being asked to limit the spread of disease to their animals.
It's all part of further action being taken by Lancashire county council to prevent the spread of avian flu which was confirmed to have been found in the wild bird populations in Lancashire.
It has since spread to a commercial poultry premises near Salwick and in a small mixed flock of poultry near Kirkham.
A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone has been in place around each of these premises. Keepers can check where disease control zones are located and if they are in zone on the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) interactive map.
The UK often sees a season increase in the risk of avian influenza as we head into the winter months because of the winter migration patterns of wild birds to the UK - who might then go on to infect local wild birds populations or poultry and other captive birds.
Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health for Lancashire County Council, said: "There is no need to be alarmed by the developments over the last few days.
“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 as this can spread the virus.
"If you do find any dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds while out and about, please report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
"I would also urge bird keepers to be vigilant for any signs of disease. Avian influenza 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.”
Mark McGivern, Consultant in Health Protection in the North West at UKHSA, said: “Avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to public health is very low.
"We are working closely with Defra to monitor the situation and the regional health protection team will be providing the necessary public health advice to people at the infected premises as a precaution.
“We know the importance of washing hands thoroughly when it comes to reducing the risk of infections. Don’t touch any sick or dead birds and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap after contact with any animal.”
You can find out more about avian influenza here.