Bird flu fears after poultry keepers flout precautions

TEESDALE is at risk of a bird flu outbreak because people are not following advice from England’s chief veterinary officer, a county councillor has warned.
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone was implemented on December 6 and requires that poultry must be kept indoors or take steps to prevent them mixing with wild birds.
The prevention zone is in force until February 28.
However, free range chickens and ducks have been spotted feeding with wild birds throughout the Gaunless Valley, sparking concern from Evenwood county councillor Heather Smith.
She said: “Yesterday alone I saw free range hens and ducks in Ramshaw, Evenwood, Cockfield, Woodland and Butterknowle.
“On two occasions I saw wild birds mixing with the poultry and eating their food, so there is a substantial risk that avian flu could arrive in Teesdale.”
She added that an outbreak would result in the flock being culled and a surveillance zone put in place in the 10km radius of the outbreak.
Cllr Smith said: “The disease has reached the UK. Wild birds which have died from the H5N8 strain have been found at various locations in England, Scotland and Wales, and there have been outbreaks in poultry flocks in Lincolnshire, Wales and recently at Settle, in North Yorkshire.
“In my travels around the area I am surprised to see that many poultry keepers are not complying with the advice from Defra and the chief vet, and their birds are running around as usual.”
A spokesperson for Defra said chief veterinary officer, Nigel Gibbens, has warned several times of the importance of following the order.
He said: “Keepers found to be non-compliant may be reminded of their responsibilities in relation to housing or separating their birds from wild birds by the local authorities.
“With those keepers who continue to choose to not comply, local authorities may exercise their full legal powers, which may result in an unlimited fine and/or imprisonment for no more than six months.”
Mr Gibbens said that the prevention zone means that anyone who keeps poultry such as chickens, ducks and geese, even as pets, must take action to stop them coming into contact with wild birds to protect them from avian flu.
“Birds should be moved to a suitable building or sensible precautions like putting up netting to create a temporary enclosure should be taken. Food and water should be kept inside to prevent contamination by wild birds, he said.
He added: “Even when birds are kept indoors a risk of infection remains so keepers must also practice good biosecurity, for example by disinfecting footwear and equipment, and washing clothing after contact with birds.”