Latest cases show bird flu risk remains – KCC

Kent bird keepers are being reminded of the importance of sticking to strict biosecurity rules to limit the spread of Avian Influenza (AI).

While the risk of transmission to people is low, members of the public are also being urged to continue reporting, and not to touch or pick up, dead or sick birds they find while out and about enjoying the county’s great outdoors.

The calls from Kent County Council (KCC) follow confirmation from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) that the H5NI strain of the disease has been found at a premises near Bexhill-on-Sea, Rother, East Sussex, close to Kent’s border.

Commonly known as bird flu, AI circulates naturally in wild birds so they can spread the disease to poultry and other domestic birds.

Although regulations requiring poultry and pet birds to be kept inside – to reduce contact with wild birds – were lifted in May, the risk from wild birds remains. And with over 101 cases of the H5N1 strain across the country since October, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is still in place across Great Britain.

The rules mean that while birds are allowed to range outside, all bird keepers – whether they have pet birds, a commercial or a backyard flock – are legally required to take effective and precautionary biosecurity measures. This includes cleansing and disinfection of hard surfaces and fencing off ponds or standing water to reduce contact with wild birds.

Mike Hill, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “While the recent lifting of the mandatory housing measures was welcome news to bird keepers, the recent cases of avian influenza, including just over our border in East Sussex, show that it is vital Kent keepers remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain high standards of biosecurity.

“The UK Health Security Agency has reassured that the risk to the general public’s health is very low and the Food Standards Agency assures properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

Not surprisingly, the highly pathogenic strain of Avian Flu was detected in two wild swans as part of routine surveillance on Stodmarsh in February.

For the latest bird flu situation, and guidance for both keepers and members of the public, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu