Attention Resident: Important Notice Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Case near Corby Glen

A confirmed case of Avian Influenza has occurred at a premise near Corby Glen. The Government has declared: 3 km radius Protection Zone (PZ) 10 km radius Surveillance Zone (SZ)

The risk to public health from the virus is very low, however it is important that people don’t pick up sick or dead birds.

APHA staff may contact known poultry/captive bird owners within the next few days to gather further information. This information will help veterinary staff to assess the risk of Avian Influenza spread. APHA veterinary staff may need to carry out an inspection of your birds to assess their health.

Please be reassured there is no automatic culling policy for Avian Influenza outbreaks. Birds will only be culled if Avian Influenza is confirmed in the flock following laboratory testing of samples, or if a veterinary risk assessment indicates a strong likelihood of significant links to an infected premise.

Compulsory registration of poultry and captive birds with APHA has been required since 1st October 2024. If you keep poultry or captive birds and have not registered you must do so now using one of the following options:

Online Form: www.gov.uk/government/collections/register-as-a-bird-keeper

Telephone: 03000 200 301 – (lines are open 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday)

Special Measures If you have poultry or other birds at your premises, you must adhere to the conditions and movement restrictions within the Protection Zone. Heightened biosecurity measures have been put in place to protect your birds from disease and prevent its spread. All poultry and captive birds must be housed, and licences are required for movements to and from premises in both the SZ and PZ.

Further information on the current Avian Influenza restrictions and controls which apply in the area can be found on the government website. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england

Signs of Avian Influenza

If your birds become ill, consult your vet immediately. Avian Influenza spreads through direct contact or contaminated fluids and faeces. Clinical signs in poultry include: • Swollen head and blue discolouration of the comb and wattles • Loss of appetite and diarrhoea • Respiratory distress (gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling, rattling) • Reduced egg production and increased mortality By law,

if you or your vet suspects that kept birds are showing any signs of disease it must be immediately reported to APHA by telephoning 03000 200 301. Wild Birds If the birds are wild, no action is required. However, you can assist by reporting dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese, ducks) or other wild birds (gulls, birds of prey) to the Defra helpline on 03459 335 577.