Bird flu prevention measures extended to Darlington

Trading standards and animal health officers at Darlington Borough Council have advised farmers and bird owners that mandatory housing measures for kept birds have been extended to the local area following a rise in cases of avian influenza. 

The measures also cover areas of Tyneside, Northumberland and Cumbria as two more cases of avian influenza have appeared in Stanhope, County Durham.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced over the weekend that from Monday (April 7), enhanced biosecurity and housing measures already in place across in other parts of England have been expanded to include new areas in the north. 

The move comes after cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 were confirmed at two more premises near Stanhope on Friday, following an initial case in the area earlier last week. All affected birds are being humanely culled. 

A sixth outbreak was also confirmed on Saturday at a commercial poultry premises near Thirsk, in North Yorkshire. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been declared around the site, and all birds on that farm will also be culled. 

The newly included areas – Cumbria, County Durham, Northumberland, and Tyneside – join others already under housing orders such as North Yorkshire, York, East Riding of Yorkshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire. 

Councillor Jim Garner, cabinet member for stronger communities said: “After confirmed cases of avian flu in County Durham there is now a housing order across the whole of the Darlington borough area. 

“These new measures mean by law bird keepers must house their birds indoors, or, where this is not possible, keep them in fully netted or enclosed outdoor areas. This applies to all keepers, whether they have a small backyard flock, ornamental birds, or a commercial operation. 

“Keepers must also continue to follow strict biosecurity measures as required by the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ).  These measures include cleaning and disinfecting footwear and equipment, preventing contact between wild and kept birds, and storing feed securely. 

“Mandatory housing also applies to all 3km Protection Zones and Captive Bird Monitoring (Controlled) Zones established around infected premises.”

Ele Brown, UK deputy chief veterinary officer, said: “Due to the increasing number of bird flu cases in the north of England, particularly in regions with high-density poultry farming, we are extending housing measures to Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland and Tyneside. 

“Bird keepers are urged to stay alert for any signs of disease, maintain strict biosecurity practices, and report any suspected cases of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.” 

In addition to housing requirements, all bird keepers are legally required to register their birds. This includes those keeping fewer than 50 birds, as well as larger flocks. Certain species, such as birds of prey, must be registered individually. 

Racing pigeon keepers must also register their establishments if they plan to race birds from the EU or Northern Ireland back to Great Britain.  Failure to comply with the AIPZ measures is an offence under the Animal Health Act 1981, punishable by an unlimited fine or up to six months’ imprisonment per offence on summary conviction. 

The government is urging the public and bird keepers to remain vigilant, stressing that early detection and containment are critical to controlling the spread of the virus. Many birds infected with bird flu may not show clear signs of infection. They may have mild breathing problems or show more serious signs such as lying down and unresponsive, closed runny eyes or fever, noticeable increase in body temperature or may have died unexpectedly.  If you are concerned about the health of your birds speak to your vet. If you suspect bird flu, you or your vet must report it immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) even if the signs are mild.

For further information or advice for farmers and bird keepers please visit the government website at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england or contact the trading standards team at [email protected]