Bird Keepers urged to be vigilant as early signs of bird flu emerge

Bird keepers are being told to always practice good biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of kept birds, whether they are a hobby keeper or those involved in commercial poultry.

Councillor Karen May, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities said, “The Government has made all local Trading Standards authorities aware of the first case recorded in poultry this year over in the East Riding of Yorkshire and, whilst this might seem a long way from us, the disease is often carried by wild birds so it is important that keepers take the relevant precautions, especially during the bird migration season when wild fowl fly over from mainland Europe.”

Bird keepers can find out what they can do to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading, and how to spot and report suspicion of avian influenza in poultry or other captive birds in DEFRA’s guidance at gov.uk/birdflu, together with updates on the latest situation.

Councillor May also reminded keepers of the need to register birds no matter how many they were keeping. She added,
“People who keep traditional birds like budgies that are housed indoors and never go out do not need to register, but if they are in outdoor aviaries or if people keep a small number of chickens in the garden, then these should be registered.

This is important in the prevention and control of disease and the data is only used to help with disease surveillance work to keep birds safe. This can include contacting keepers with information about disease outbreaks and advice on how to protect their birds.”

Keepers who need to register can find out how on the DEFRA website at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-as-a-keeper-of-less-than-50-poultry-or-other-captive-birds

If you find a wild sick bird or dead bird, do not pick up or touch the feathers or surfaces contaminated with bird droppings.  The UK Health Security and RSPCA provides further advice on what to do if you find a sick or dead wild bird. There is further guidance on the Avian influenza (bird flu) - advice for the public on staying safe by minimising contact with wild birds pages on the GOV.UK website.

You should report dead wild birds to the DEFRA helpline on 03459-335577, selecting option 7 in the system, or they can be reported on-line via the report wild birds pages on the GOV.UK website.