Further Avian Flu Outbreaks

Seagull - Avian Flu OutbreakFor those who haven’t yet put into effect protective measures for their flock, it is now imperitive to do so. Since Avian Flu arrived of UK shores it has moved fast. First with the outbreak at the turkey farm in Lincolnshire, quickly followed by a wild duck being found in Wales, and now 4 further confirmed cases including ones in Somerset and Scotland – so it is clear it has spread all over the whole country.

Further Avian Flu Outbreak – Protection Measures

It is not just the legal obligation to protect your flock, but a moral and care obligation. Avian flu is highly virulent and if your unprotected flock becomes infected they will likely all die from the disease. Those that do not will be culled by DEFRA.

I have had a few emails from those who do not see why it should apply to back garden keepers, the fact is it should and more so – the back garden keeper is less likely to have in place protection and biosecurity plans. The larger enterprises were able to lock up the pop-holes and immediately confine; it is the smaller keeper that needs to put in place covered runs or house confinement at they are the ones likely to still have a flock outside and in danger. A flock of three could just as easily be hit by wild bird droppings so please make sure you keep them safe.

A tarp can be pulled over the run, a small run attached to your coop, or if large enough the flock contained within the coop. It may seem unfair, it may make your flock unhappy, but the alternative is far worse and an “it wouldn’t happen to me” attitude could easily lead to the spread of the disease.

This article from the BBC covers the recent findings in more detail – BBC Avian Flu News

The Government website has further information including the restrictions in place – The latest situation on avian influenza (bird flu) and actions to reduce the risks.

 

Posted in My Chicken Diary
One comment on “Further Avian Flu Outbreaks
  1. Tom Parrot says:

    Reading the latest Government notes updated 11th February 2017.
    I can from 28th February, let my chickens go Free Range again in the garden, providing I discourage wild birds from coming into the garden.
    I’ll put up some notices NO TRESPASSING ESPECIALLY WILD BIRDS.
    Then cover the (6ft x 3ft) pond, disinfect all the pathways, remove all bird feeders to make it unattractive to wild birds and an assessment made of risk of birds coming into contact with my chickens.
    In other words keep my chickens indoors in the living room by the fire.

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