Warning issued to Hartlepool poultry keepers after outbreak of bird flu in region

The Animal and Plant Health Agency has announced that highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 was confirmed amongst laying chickens at a commercial farm in Redcar on Saturday, February 6.

Known affected birds have been culled and restrictions put into place to try and limit the spread of the disease.

A 3km Protection Zone has been introduced locally to the farm and a wider 10km Surveillance Zone encompassing some of Hartlepool, including parts of Seaton Carew and Hartlepool Power Station, has been declared.

Occupiers of premises within the Surveillance Zone are required to adopt a number of measures, including a restriction of movement of poultry, captive birds and mammals; recording any movement of birds on to and off the site; recording details of visitors and taking appropriate biosecurity measures. Poultry and eggs have their movements restricted unless licensed by a veterinary inspector. More information can be found here.

Strict biosecurity measures have been in place since November as a nationwide Prevention Zone was declared following national outbreaks of bird flu.

This was later strengthened by new housing measures in December requiring bird keepers to keep their birds indoors except in very specific circumstances. These measures are still in place but now strengthened further by the Protection Zone and Surveillance Zone in the region.

To ensure good biosecurity, all poultry keepers should:

Minimize movement in and out of bird enclosures.

Clean footwear before and after visiting birds

Clean and disinfect vehicles and equipment that have come into contact with poultry.

Keep areas where birds live clean and tidy, and regularly disinfect hard surfaces

Humanely control rats and mice.

Keep birds separate from wildlife and wild waterfowl by putting suitable fencing around outdoor areas.

Poultry keepers must keep a close watch on their birds for any signs of disease. If they suspect any type of avian influenza they must report it immediately by calling DEFRA Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

The public are also being advised to report dead waterfowl such as ducks and geese to the Defra helpline on 03459 335577

To see the full guidance click here and for more information visit www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu or by contacting Hartlepool Borough Council’s Trading Standards Team on (01429) 523362.

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