More Cases of Bird Flu Found

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The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation is notifying its members that Defra has reported further cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu of the H5N8 strain in wild birds in England. For full details please click here

There have been to date no further cases of bird flu in captive birds.

The NGO continues to ask its members to be vigilant and to report dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or five or more dead wild birds of other species, when encountered in the same location in unusual circumstances, to the Animal and Plant Health Agency helpline on 0300 303 8268. Details of how to spot bird flu can be found here

At this time of year, few keepers will have captive birds, but those who do are reminded that the Prevention Zones, which were announced on 6 December for the whole of England, Wales and Scotland, remain in force. Northern Ireland declared a 30-day Prevention Zone on 23 December. Click here for details.

It is essential that the enhanced biosecurity measures, including the need to take appropriate steps to keep captive birds separate from wild birds, as required by the Prevention Zones, are adhered to.

A spokesman for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation said: “Gamekeepers and other members of the shooting community should be on the look out for possible cases of bird flu, and report the finding of dead wild birds that meet the criteria set out by Defra (see above for details of species and numbers). Advice on how to spot the symptoms of bird flu, as well as other information on avian influenza, are on the Defra website. The NGO will issue further updates to members, as needed.”