Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards service is urging bird keepers across the county to take action as new housing measures come into force to help prevent the spread of avian influenza.
The new measures came into effect on 30 October across the whole of Leicestershire and Rutland, meaning that anyone who keeps more than 50 birds of any species, or any number of birds for the purpose of selling or giving away eggs, poultry products or live birds, must keep their birds indoors. This legal requirement is part of the national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) and applies to commercial and semi-commercial keepers.
People with small backyard flocks will not need to house their birds, as long as the eggs are for their own use only and not sold or given away.
The order follows a rise in cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds and poultry across England. Housing birds indoors reduces the risk of contact with infected wild birds and helps contain the spread of the disease.
Trading Standards officers will be working with local partners to ensure compliance and provide help and advice to affected bird keepers.
These measures are essential to protect the health and welfare of birds in Leicestershire and beyond. Avian flu poses a serious threat to both commercial flocks and backyard birds, and we must all play our part in preventing its spread.
I urge all bird keepers who fall under the new rules to act swiftly and responsibly to house their birds and follow the biosecurity guidance.
Person:Councillor Virge Richichi, cabinet member for regulatory services
The regulations mean that poultry keepers must:
- House or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds
- Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- Reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
- Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a regular basis
- Keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
- Minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
- Prevent access to poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas
People are being warned not to touch or pick up any dead or sick birds they find. Anyone who finds dead swans, geese, ducks or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
Bird keepers should report suspicion of disease in captive birds to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301.
More information and guidance is available at on the government website, or contact Leicestershire Trading Standards.