Avian Flu in North Northants - latest updates
Trading Standards05 June 2023
North Northamptonshire Council are warning bird keepers and members of the public to be aware after cases of Avian (or bird) flu were detected in 3 birds of prey in the Higham Ferrers area.
The birds 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.
NNC are advising that residents:
- do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
- do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings
Anyone who keeps poultry should wash hands, and clean and disinfect footwear before tending to their birds.
Suspected bird flu cases
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 latest housing measures which have now been brought in and also how you can help to protect your birds, please visit the central Government’s Avian flu information.
Registering birds
People are being asked to register poultry, even if only 1 or 2 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, pigeons, partridge, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants.
• Government map of Avian Influenza Protection Zones and Avian Influenza
• Public health information on Avian Flu