Poultry keepers and pet bird owners have been warned to maintain biosecurity measures after four outbreaks of Avian flu in the county, with the latest near Clacton.
The latest outbreak of the deadly disease has been found near Little Clacton. A 3km protection zone now extends around the area – which reaches close to St Osyth – and Brightlingsea is now within a 10km surveillance zone brought in by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) covering Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex.
The new zone introduces enhanced biosecurity measures that must be followed by keepers of poultry. The declaratory order containing all the rules can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1106774/regional-aipz-declaration-27-september_norfolk_suffolk_pt_essex.pdf.
Essex has seen four outbreaks of Avian flu in the past year, with cases at Tolleshunt Major, near Maldon, and Clacton. Health officials visited each site and took action including testing, cleansing and disinfection and implemented protection zones.
Avian flu is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low. However, anyone who is concerned should call NHS 111 or speak to their GP. People in direct contact with the affected birds have been contacted and offered appropriate preventative treatment.
Pet owners with other animals do not usually need to take other action. If a person has concerns regarding their pet, they should contact their vet.
If people find dead or sick wild birds such as swans, geese or ducks, gulls or birds of prey, they should not touch them, but contact the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77).
The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, Avian flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
In the event of an outbreak of bird flu, pet owners in the immediate area might be asked to walk their dogs on a lead and keep their cats indoors. This would be in the interests of the pet’s health and is a precautionary measure only.
