For many of our customers keeping birds, such as chickens, geese and other domestic fowl and poultry, these will be worrying times. Europe and the USA are currently suffering the worst ever outbreak of avian flu, also known as bird flu, with some 160 million domestic birds having been killed by it or killed by owners to contain it.
Great Britain is currently in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ), which means that those keeping birds that would normally be outdoors are required to follow strict biosecurity regulations to prevent the spread of avian flu.
This will particularly apply to those keeping chickens, ducks or other birds in their gardens. This article will examine the situation regarding the current avian flu outbreak, and what you need to know and do if you keep domestic fowl or poultry.
Preventative measures
Because wild birds can spread avian flu to captive birds, such as chickens and geese, you have to house your domestic birds to reduce the risk of them catching it from wild birds.
It’s worth remembering that while they are housed, you are still required to maintain certain standards, such as avoiding overcrowding and making sure there is enough natural light and ventilation. Where it is impossible to physically house them, you must still keep them separate in a netted enclosure.
Further preventative measures include:
- Making areas where domestic birds are kept as unappealing to wild birds as possible – for example, by removing sources of food, employing bird deterrents or using spike strips to prevent them from perching
- Registering your poultry with The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) so that you can be alerted in the event of a local outbreak – this is a legal requirement if you have over 50 birds, but is still a good idea if you have fewer birds so that you will get notice of any changes to regulations or the situation in general
- Fencing off and covering ponds and other standing water
- Maintaining effective pest control measures, especially regarding rats and mice, which can carry diseases on their feet and fur
Full details of avian flu restrictions and preventative measures can be found on the Defra website.
Are all wild birds likely to be infected?
Defra warns against handling all wild birds, especially those that are dead or dying, but has assessed that baby perching birds are very unlikely to have avian flu – this includes common garden species such as sparrows, finches, tits, robins and wrens. If you come across injured babies from any of these species during the breeding season this spring, you can handle them, but should make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
What are avian flu symptoms to look out for?
Birds with the most serious strain of avian flu, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), are likely to demonstrate a broad range of symptoms that can include sudden death, a swollen head, closed and runny eyes, lethargy and depression, lying down and unresponsiveness, a lack of coordination and more. For a full set of symptoms, please refer to the Defra website.
There is also a low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) for which your birds may not show any clear signs beyond the possibility of mild breathing problems.
If you are unsure about your birds’ health, it is advised that you contact your vet. If you suspect or have reason to believe that they have avian flu, you need to report it immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Green Lane Farm Boarding Kennels has over 50 years of experience looking after dogs, cats and small animals (including fowl and poultry!) for customers in and around Chessington, Kingston and the wider Surrey area. Our kennels and cattery are open for business as usual, and our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be able to advise you regarding any restrictions regarding whether we will be able to house your birds while bird flu remains an issue.
Get in touch with us now to find out more.
