Avian flu detected in North Northants
Trading Standards24 January 2023
North Northamptonshire Council are warning bird keepers and members of the public to be aware after a case of Avian (or bird) flu was detected in dead mute swans in Kettering.
The Swans were tested as part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Wild Surveillance programme, which has been set up to detect the spread of Avian Influenzas in the UK.
All bird keepers (whether you have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) must always keep a close watch on them for signs of disease and maintain good biosecurity.
Anyone who suspects any type of bird flu in poultry or captive birds must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
For all the latest information in relation to the spread of Avian Flu, including the housing measures which have now been brought in across the country and also for information on how you can help to protect your birds please visit central Government’s Avian flu information.
Registering birds
People are being asked to register poultry, even if only kept as pets, so Defra can contact them during an outbreak. This is a legal requirement if people have 50 or more birds.
Poultry includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeon, partridge, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants.