Rye bird flu case underlines need for vigilance

The call follows confirmation from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) the flu-type virus that primarily affects birds has been detected in poultry at a premises near Rye, East Sussex – close to the Kent border.

Keepers must register with the Animal and Plant Agency (APHA) so they can be contacted with advice and guidance if there is a disease outbreak in their area. You can do this online. Email customer.registration@apha.gov.uk or call 03000 200 301 if you need more help.

A 3km protection zone, and a 10km surveillance zone which touches a number of villages in the south of Kent (including Newenden), have been set up around the Rye premises. Keepers in these zones must follow specific Defra rules including, but not limited, to:

• keeping a record of everyone visiting the premises and all poultry and poultry eggs entering or leaving
• only moving poultry, other captive birds and mammals (not including pets), with a licence

Affected keepers must refer to information received from APHA about the specific restrictions that will apply to their premises. You can also view detailed guidance for both zones at www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu-cases-and-disease-control-zones-in-england.

To see a map of where the control zones are visit APHA Interactive Avian Influenza Disease Map (arcgis.com)

Keepers reporting signs of the disease in poultry or other kept birds should call the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

Visit GOV.UK for advice about how to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading, including regularly disinfecting equipment, clothing and footwear.

You can also help APHA monitor the spread of bird flu by reporting dead wild birds, particularly large numbers in one spot. Use the online reporting system or call the Defra helpline 03459 33 55 77. Learn more about reporting dead birds here.

Head of Kent Trading Standards Steve Rock said: “High-level biosecurity is a key defence against bird flu and Kent bird keepers should continue following Defra rules. This includes registering birds so the APHA can easily contact you.”

KCC Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed bird flu poses a very low risk to the general public’s health. The Food Standards Agency has also said bird flu does not present a food safety risk for UK consumers.

“But when you are out and about enjoying Kent’s great green spaces, help reduce the spread of the disease by limiting your interaction with wild birds who can naturally carry it. Stick to paths, keep dogs on leads, and report, but don’t touch, dead birds.”