An outbreak of avian influenza, higher generally known as chook flu, has been confirmed at a Northumberland poultry farm.
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A 3km safety zone and 10km surveillance zone has been arrange across the premises in Milfield, close to Wooler, and all birds on website will likely be culled.
The illness primarily impacts birds and the chance to human well being is low, however it will probably unfold rapidly between flocks.
Northumberland County Council officers will likely be visiting addresses inside the safety zone to tell them of the outbreak and establish yard flocks that want elevated safety.
Bird keepers within the space are additionally being suggested to undertake further biosecurity measures, comparable to disinfecting gear, clothes, and autos when getting into or exiting websites and limiting the access of non-essential guests.
Councillor Gordon Stewart, cupboard member for taking care of our communities, stated: “Trading Standards is working closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency to ensure that the required control measures are in place for dealing with this incident.
“Foot patrols are underway to identify other captive birds and poultry in the vicinity with a view to helping keepers to protect them from the spread of the disease.
“Bird keepers should ensure that they maintain good biosecurity on their premises and remain alert for any signs of disease.
“Where bird flu is suspected it should be reported immediately and moving birds off your premises, even to seek veterinary assistance, should be avoided.”
Signage has been put in place to warn folks getting into the safety zone of the outbreak, and that they may require a licence from the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs to maneuver poultry, captive birds, or eggs within the space.
Members of the general public have additionally been suggested to report useless or visibly sick wild birds to the division by calling 03459335577, and that they need to report any birds they personal, at the same time as pets, by calling 03000200301 if they think they’re contaminated.
Gill O’Neil, the council’s govt director of public well being, stated: “I can reassure the public that this is a disease which affects birds, and the UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that the risk to human health is very low.
“Please remember not to touch sick or dead birds and to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with any other animal.”
