On 12 November 2007, the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza was
confirmed at a poultry premises in Suffolk. As a result,
DEFRA have implemented 3km protection and 10km surveillance zones
round the premises.
No movements of poultry are permitted within the 3km and 10km
zones around the Infected Premises.
DEFRA also put in place a restricted zone which comprises the
following Local Authority Districts in the counties of Norfolk and
Suffolk: Broadland District, Great Yarmouth District, Norwich
District, Great Yarmouth District, Breckland District, South
Norfolk District, Waveney District, Suffolk Coastal District,
Ipswich District, Babergh District, St Edmundsbury District, Mid
Suffolk District and Forest Heath District.
The new Restricted Zone requires the isolation of poultry from
wild birds. Movements within this zone can take place under
licence, but movements are not permitted out of the zone at
present.
What is the position In Essex?
Essex Trading
Standards is closely monitoring the outbreak of Avian Flu in
Suffolk. A contingency plan is in place to deal with any
outbreak reported within Essex. To the best of our current
knowledge, there are no connections between the infected premises
in Suffolk and Essex poultry keepers and there have been no
reported cases of Avian Flu in Essex.
What do I do if I find a dead wild bird in
Essex?
If you see more than 10 dead
birds of the same species in the same location in Essex,
especially if they are waterfowl (eg, ducks, geese and swans), you
should contact:
the dedicated DEFRA helpline on
08459 33 55 77,
or
VLA Bury St Edmunds on 01284 724499.
* If you find any single dead birds,
including garden birds, then you do not need to call the DEFRA
helpline. You should:
· leave it
alone or
· follow the
guidelines below for disposal
Wild birds can carry several diseases that are infectious to
people and some simple hygiene precautions should minimise the risk
of infection. It is hard for people to catch Avian Influenza
from birds and the following simple steps are effective in
preventing avian influenza and other diseases.
If you have to move a dead bird:-
1. Avoid touching the bird with your bare hands.
2. If possible, wear disposable protective gloves when
picking up and handling.
3. Place the dead bird in a suitable plastic bag,
preferably leak proof. Care should
be taken not to contaminate the outside
of the bag.
4. Tie the bag and place it in a second plastic
bag.
5. Remove gloves by turning them inside out and
then place them in the second
plastic bag. Tie the bag and dispose of
it in the normal household refuse bin.
6. Hands should then be washed thoroughly with soap and
water.
7. If disposable gloves are not available, a plastic bag
can be used as a make-shift
glove. When the dead bird has been
picked up, the bag can be turned back on
itself and tied. It should then be
placed in a second plastic bag, tied and disposed
of in the normal household waste.
8. Alternatively, the dead bird can
be buried, but not in a plastic bag.
9. Any clothing that has been in contact with the dead bird
should be washed using
ordinary washing detergent at the
temperature normally used for washing the
clothing.
10. Any contaminated indoor surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned
with normal
household cleaner.
What should Poultry keepers in Essex
do?
Follow DEFRA advice on Biosecurity. Examine birds
twice a day for signs of disease. Reoprt to
Animal
Health (01245 358383) immediately if any birds are showing
symptoms of Avian Influenza.
What is the postion on Bird Shows?
As from
Monday 12th November 2007, all bird gatherings, including falconry
displays, fairs, markets, shows, exhibitions and pigeon races, are
banned in England for the time being due to the Avian Influenza
situation. All such gatherings planned over the next few days
must be cancelled.
Poultry owners
Should make sure that
hands, clothes and footwear are clean before and after contact with
birds. Owners need to be vigilant and monitor their birds
frequently.