Avian influenza outbreak
From Monday 7th November until further notice, due to the avian influenza outbreak, all bird keepers must house their birds inside to keep them safe from avian influenza, and follow strict bio security measures. This follows an increase in the number of cases detected in wild birds and commercial premises.
You are requested to register your poultry even if only kept as pets; information on how to do so is on the gov.uk website. Registration of poultry is a legal requirement if you have more than 50 birds.
If you need to move a domestic bird you may need a licence if you are in a disease control zone. In case of emergency please call the practice for advice on 01653 618303.
Further information can be found on the DEFRA website : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
If you suspect bird flu within your birds you must report it to DEFRA by calling 03000200301.
The symptoms to look out for can be subtle including diarrhoea, loss in egg production, and loss in appetite through to more severe respiratory symptoms, general malaise and sudden death.
If you find dead wild birds you should report these to the Defra helpline for avian influenza on 03459 335577. This includes one or more dead owl or bird of prey, three or more wild water fowl or gulls, or five wild birds of any species.