Avian influenza (bird flu)

Avian influenza (bird flu) is an infectious disease of birds caused by a variety of subtypes of the influenza A virus. The risk to humans is very low.

All bird keepers (whether you have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) must keep a close watch for signs of disease. Good biosecurity is essential to limiting the spread of diseases such as Avian Fu in an outbreak.

Avian flu circulates naturally in wild birds worldwide and can be transmitted from bird to bird. Avian Flu is seasonal as we see more cases reported over the winter period than at other times of the year.There is a bird flu prevention zone currently in place for the UK. Over the past year there have been reported cases in North Yorkshire and the North East, including in County Durham.

The current outbreak - County Durham

There is currently a housing order in place across all of County Durham which extends up towards Scotland and across towards Cumbria. This means that if you keep captive birds in this area you must ensure they are housed, or, if that is not possible, kept in fully enclosed or netted areas.

This follows outbreaks in the county:

Kept/captive birds

If you suspect any type of avian flu, by law you must report it immediately to 03000 200 301. Gov.uk: Bird flu: how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds.

If you have any concerns about the health of your birds, seek advice from your vet immediately.

Symptoms of the disease include diarrhoea, respiritory issues such as coughing and gaping beak, as well as reduced egg production and loss of appetite.

As part of the housing order, bird keepers must also follow Government rules including:

ensuring you take precautions to avoid the transfer of the virus from items such as clothing, vehicles and footwear
having a footbath in place with appropriate disinfectant
storing feed, water and bedding under cover