Bid to stop bird flu spread in county

Poultry keepers across Lincolnshire are being urged to step up their efforts in a bid to halt the spread of avian flu.

The UK’s chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss is warning people not to be complacent as the country faces its largest ever outbreak of the disease with more than 60 cases confirmed nationally since the start of November.

In Lincolnshire there are currently nine infected sites which have been identified.

The government has introduced new housing measures which means that any birds, including chickens, geese and ducks, must be kept indoors while following strict biodiversity measures.

“If you do not do this, the disease could kill your birds and you could be fined,” said the chief vet.

“Wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter months, and other wildlife, spread the disease so it is vital to not allow wild birds to mix with your chickens, ducks, geese or other birds.

“People can also spread the disease on their clothes and shoes, so before going into bird enclosures you should wash your hands and change or disinfect your footwear,” she added,

The UK health security has confirmed the risk to public health is very low and it doesn’t affect the consumption of poultry or eggs.

“Many poultry keepers have excellent biosecurity standards but unfortunately the number of cases we are seeing suggests that not enough is being done to keep bird flu out.

“Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you must take action now to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease,” said the chief vet.

It is also important that people do not touch or pick up dead or sick birds – including, swans, geese or ducks. Contact the Defra helpline on 03459 335577 for further help or advice.

Bird keepers should report signs of disease on 0300 00 200301.

Poultry keepers must also:
* Net or house all poultry to keep them separate from wild birds
* Clean and disinfect clothing, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds
* Change footwear before entering sheds housing poultry or captive birds – or thoroughly disinfect.
* Reduce the movement of people, equipment and vehicles from areas where the birds are kept
* Minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and wild birds.