Poultry keepers warned after avian flu confirmed in swan
© Roger Utting/Adobe Stock A case of avian influenza (AI) in captive birds at a swan rescue centre in Worcestershire has been confirmed as the high pathogenic strain (HPAI H5N1).
The case was identified by Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) officials at a rescue centre near Droitwich Spa, Wychavon, Worcestershire, earlier this week. But further testing has since revealed it is the more concerning strain.
Following confirmation, the 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones were replaced by a 3km Protection and a 10km Surveillance Zone around the premises.
See also: Q&A: Guidance on avian flu with England’s chief vet
Risk levels have been raised for wild birds from low to medium, while the risk to poultry units remains low to medium.
However, the Apha warned all poultry keepers to maintain biosecurity and vigilance as increasing numbers of potentially diseased migratory birds fly in to the UK.
Contacts
Dead wild waterfowl or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, should be reported to the Defra helpline 03459 33 55 77 – then select option 7.
Failure to report any suspected avian influenza in poultry or captive birds is an offence.
England: Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301
Wales: 0300 303 8268
Scotland: Contact the local Field Services Office.
For a list of symptoms visit the government website
NFU issues control zone advice
Meanwhile, the NFU poultry team has issued guidance for flock keepers caught up in a control zone.
The union’s poultry advisers explained that rules must be followed if any part of a holding falls within a zone. Where a unit crosses the boundary of two separate zones then the whole of the site must abide by the highest level of restriction.
Within an HPAI 3km Protection Zone you must:
- Keep poultry and other captive birds housed inside their buildings
- Ensure that all carcasses that are not disposed of by a veterinary inspector are disposed of in accordance with their instructions
- Adhere to strict biosecurity on and off the farm and follow any additional measures as directed by a veterinary inspector
- Also follow the controls listed for the 10km surveillance zone below
Within an HPAI 10km Surveillance Zone you must:
- Not move poultry, other captive birds or mammals including pigs, sheep and cattle to or from premises where poultry or other captive birds are kept
- Not move poultrymeat, litter, eggs, other livestock or animals within or outside of the zone unless under licence
- Pack any eggs going to a designated packing centre in disposable packaging
- Record any individuals visiting the premises where poultry or other captive birds are kept
- Keep a record of all poultry or poultry eggs entering or leaving premises within the zone, except where eggs are being moved direct to retail premises or onwards from such premises
- Ensure appropriate biosecurity measures are in place for people and vehicles entering or leaving premises where poultry, other captive birds or eggs are kept
- Use disinfectants from the approved list
- Ensure anyone who moves any poultry, other captive bird, meat, feed, manure, slurry, litter or any other thing which may be contaminated cleanses and disinfects the vehicle and any equipment used to transport that thing as soon as it is unloaded
- Not remove or spread poultry litter, manure or slurry unless under licence
- Not permit any poultry or captive birds to be exhibited at any fair, market, show, or gathering
- Not release game birds