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| Feeding the waterfowl - a favourite activity at Cleethorpes boating lake |
A TEMPORARY may become necessary on a favourite family activity - hand-feeding the geese and ducks at Cleethorpes boating lake.
It follows disturbing news that, elsewhere in the UK, cases of bird flu have been identified both in domestic and wild birds.
It is rare for the disease to be passed from bird to human and even rarer for one human to pass it on to another, but, if it happens, the consequences can be deadly.
North East Lincolnshire today confirmed that our area, along with the rest of England, has now been declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone.
The authority is taking expert advice on any specific initiatives that need to be adopted locally, for instance in parks, near ponds and lakes or on the beach.
In the meantime, it says declaration of the AIPZ means it is a legal requirement for all birdkeepers to follow strict measures to prevent the disease spreading to more poultry and other domestic birds.
In a statement, it says: "Whether you keep just a few birds, such as canaries, budgies or parrots, or a large commercial flock, you are now legally required to meet enhanced biosecurity requirements.
"Keepers with more than 500 birds will need to restrict access for non-essential people on their sites, workers will need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and site vehicles will need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly."
The last significant outbreak of bird flu, both in the UK and globally, was in 2005.
It is thought to be spread via the droppings of wild birds, such as wildfowl and starlings, that migrate here in autumn from northern Europe.
For more information on what measures are in place, visit www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#latest-situation.
Migrating pink-footed geese seldom settle locally, but earlier this month, a large flock was seen on a stubble field in Humberston.
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