Shropshire Council reminds public and birdkeepers to stay alert for signs of bird flu.

Shropshire Council’s Health Protection Team are reminding members of the public and people who keep birds to remain alert for any signs of Avian Influenza. It follows an increase avian influenza (bird flu) nationally, and within the wild bird population.

The public are encouraged to report sightings of certain wild bird deaths so that they may be collected for analysis in avian disease investigation laboratories. An online reporting tool is available to use 24/7 and accessible on mobile phones, tablets and laptops. If they fit the criteria of the survey, some of these may be collected for testing though not all dead birds will be required or collected. 

Roger Evans, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for animal health said:

“We are in the season when birds fly into the UK, so all those who keep birds need to be extra vigilant.

“For the many walkers who enjoy walking Shropshire’s footpaths, please follow the recommendations from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA): to stick to footpaths and keep dogs on leads.

“Please do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds, and instead report them to DEFRA by calling 03000 200 301.”

Advice for members of the public 

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advise that bird flu is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low. Members of the public are advised not to touch dead or dying birds and report as necessary to DEFRA.  

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat. Members of the public are reminded not touch or pick up dead birds in the wild.  

Flock keepers are being asked to look for any signs of diseases whilst ensuring good levels of biosecurity at their premises and housing their birds if they meet the requirements. 

Spot the signs of Bird Flu: 

Unusual quietness and decreased activity levels 
Decreased levels of vocalisation 
Decreased levels of feed and water consumption 
Decreased egg production 
If you are concerned about the health of your animals, please seek advice from your vet. 

For more information about bird flu and biosecurity please visit the government website. 

If you suspect bird flu in poultry or other captive birds, you must report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301 if you’re in England, or 03003 038 268 if you’re in Wales. 

To report dead wild birds, if you suspect they may have died from Avian Influenza, use this online form. 

Advice for bird keepers 

There are some simple measures poultry keepers should take to protect their birds against the threat of avian flu. These include: 

Keep free-ranging birds in fenced areas to minimise contact with wild birds, neighbouring poultry or captive birds. 
Inspect outdoor areas, removing wild bird contaminants like faeces, feathers and wild bird carcases. 
Fence off or put netting over areas of standing water or ponds. 
Provide feed and water undercover, so wild birds can’t access it. 
Make your premises unattractive to wild birds. Use bird scarers, foils or streamers. 
Keep ducks and geese separate from other poultry. 
Store bedding under cover to reduce the risk of contamination. 
Clean and disinfect footwear before and after tending to your birds. If you own more than 50 birds, place foot dips containing Government approved disinfectant at all entry and exit points. 
Clean and disinfect hard surfaces regularly. 
Clean and disinfect equipment and vehicles to avoid disease spread between premises. 
Minimise the movement of people, vehicles and equipment to and from bird areas and keep records of movements. 
Keep records of poultry, captive bird and egg movements. 
Maintain buildings that house birds to prevent water ingress 
Ensure pest control is effective. 
To help reduce the spread of the disease in Shropshire, If you are a land owner, you may wish to consider displaying the poster produced by DEFRA.