Are your birds indoors?

New Northumberland Housing Order for Poultry as Avian Flu Cases Increase

Following confirmed cases of avian influenza (bird flu) in Yorkshire, Durham, and Northumberland, the government has introduced new measures in Northumberland to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza.

Since Monday, April 7, it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers across Northumberland to keep their birds housed, whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks, or just a few birds in a backyard flock.

In addition to this, strict biosecurity measures must be implemented to help limit the spread of the disease and keep flocks safe. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothing, and vehicles when entering or exiting sites, and limiting access to non-essential workers or visitors.

Although the UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that the risk to public health is very low, avian influenza is a highly contagious virus that can rapidly spread between wild birds and commercial flocks with devastating consequences.

There may be dead or sick wild birds in both inland and coastal areas. Members of the public are being asked not to touch these birds but to report their location to DEFRA via www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds. Providing good location information for a dead or diseased bird is particularly important, and location apps such as ‘what3words’ references can be very helpful.

You can also report dead wild birds by phone: 03459 33 55 77. When you report dead wild birds, they may be collected and tested for bird flu or other causes of death. Not all dead wild birds will be collected.

It is very important that all bird keepers adhere to the rules and maintain strict biosecurity on their premises to help keep their birds safe. Please remain vigilant for any signs of disease, and if you suspect an outbreak in your birds, contact DEFRA immediately.

For further advice, if you keep captive birds such as poultry, including as pets, and you suspect avian influenza, you must report this to DEFRA on 0300 0200 301.

Full guidance covering biosecurity requirements and other useful information about avian influenza, including the main clinical signs to look out for, can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu. Bird keepers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these details.