COUNCIL ALERT AS DEADLY AVIAN INFLUENZA CONTINUES ITS SPREAD THROUGH ENGLAND

Anxious times for these domestic grey lag geese at Cleethorpes Boating Lake

A NEW alert on avian influenza has been sounded by North East Lincolnshire Council.

It says: "All birdkeepers are legally required to keep birds housed until further notice, effective from 00.01 hrs on Monday 29 November. 

"They must follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease."

This measure will affect not just poultry farmers but also budgerigar breeders and other bird fanciers who keep their stock in outdoor flights or aviaries.

It is not yet known what procedures - if any - North East Lincolnshire Council might adopt for ornamental waterfowl  such as those that quack and honk at Cleethorpes Boating Lake. 

Wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during  winter are blamed for  carrying avian flu and spreading it to poultry and other captive birds.

According to an edict from Whitehall, birdkeepers must now do the following:

* House or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds

* Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds - if practical, use disposable protective clothing

* Reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control

* Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis

* Keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points

* Minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds

A further instruction is not to touch or pick up any dead or sick birds.

Anyone finding dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey,  should notify the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77. 

Birdkeepers should report suspicion of disease in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

An assurance has been sounded that avian influenza is in no way connected to the Covid-19 pandemic which is NOT carried in poultry or captive birds.

As yet, there are no confirmed cases in Lincolnshire, but avian flu has been identified at sites in Yorkshire and Leicestershire.

 Was this ailing herring gull seen in Cleethorpes Country Park on Wednesday  a victim of avian flu? 

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