To help protect poultry from the increased risk of a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza (bird flu) found in Europe, DEFRA (and the Scottish and Welsh Governments) has announced Avian Influenza Prevention Zones. This means all poultry keepers are required to keep their birds housed or to prevent as much contact as possible with wild birds. The Influenza Prevention Zones are currently in place until 6th January 2017.
No cases of this strain of bird flu (subtype H5N8) have been reported or found in the UK to date.
If your birds show any of the following clinical signs, seek prompt veterinary advice: a swollen head, discolouration of the neck and throat, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhoea and fewer eggs laid. Symptoms of bird flu may vary between species of bird.
If anyone finds dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or 5 or more dead wild birds of another species in the same location, this should be reported to the Defra helpline (Tel: 03459 33 55 77).
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