Following confirmed avian influenza (bird flu) at a premises at Milfield near Wooler, an appeal is being made to the public to strictly follow measures that have been introduced to help stop the spread of infection. 
 

Avian influenza is primarily a disease which affects birds and the risk to public health is very low. However, avian Influenza spreads rapidly between wild birds and commercial flocks. 

Northumberland County Council’s public protection team is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) North East and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to limit the risk of the disease spreading. 
 

A 3km protection zone and 10 km surveillance zone have been declared around the premises. 

Officers from the council’s public protection team are knocking on resident’s doors and farming premises within the protection zone to make them aware of the situation and identify any ‘backyard’ flocks that may need heightened protection. General advice to all bird keepers in this area is to undertake extra biosecurity measures to help limit the spread of the disease and keep flocks safe. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles when entering or exiting sites and limiting access to non-essential workers or visitors. 
 

The team have also put signage in place around the main roads in and out of the protection zone to warn “Avian Flu Control Measure Protection Zone Ahead”. The purpose of these signs is to ensure that anyone coming into the area is made aware that Avian Influenza has been declared. This means that movement of poultry, captive birds and eggs can only take place with a licence from DEFRA. 
 

Councillor Gordon Stewart, cabinet member for Looking after our Communities said: 

“Trading Standards are working closely with APHA to ensure that the required control measures are in place for dealing with this incident of bird flu in the Milfield area. Foot patrols are underway to identify other captive birds and poultry in the vicinity with a view to helping keepers to protect them from the spread of the disease. 
 

“Bird keepers should ensure that they maintain good biosecurity on their premises and remain alert for any signs of disease. Where bird flu is suspected, is should be reported immediately and moving birds off your premises, even to seek veterinary assistance, should be avoided.” 
 

Gill O’Neil, Executive Director of Public Health at Northumberland County Council added: 

“I can reassure the public that this is a disease which affects birds, and the UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that the risk to human health is very low. It’s important to follow guidance about contact with wild birds. Please remember not to touch sick or dead birds and to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with any other animal”. 

 

If you keep captive birds such as poultry, including as pets, and you suspect avian influenza you must report this to DEFRA on 0300 0200301. 

Any member of the public that comes across a dead or visibly sick wild birds are also advised not to touch them or pick them up and report the sighting to DEFRA on 03459 335577 (select option 7). Providing good location information for a dead or diseased bird is particularly important and location apps such as 'what3words', references can be very helpful. 
 

For further guidance and other useful information about avian influenza, including the main clinical signs to look out for, can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu. Bird keepers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these details