We're facing the "worst out-break of bird flu ever" - NFU East Anglia
Four cases have been identified across East Anglia over the last few days
Last updated 21st Sep 2022
Our National Farmers Union is warning that we're currently facing the worst out-break of bird flu, ever.
But that the virus can be eradicated, if all our bird owners continue to rigorously follow all safety measures in place.
It comes as four cases were identified across East Anglia- over the last few days. While 125 have been found across the UK, more generally.
A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around all of the infected areas that are near Attleborough, Honington and Clacton.
"Keep your feed away from wild birds, clean footwear and use disinfectant"
Brian Finnerty is from NFU East Anglia.
He says we need to take this serious:
"A tiny amount of the virus can cause a huge amount of impact on a flock. When it does get into a flock, it can spread very, very quickly and that's where you see the higher mortality amongst your birds, which is one of the key signs of the virus. The key for everyone is to practice really strict bio-security, keep your feed away from wild birds, clean footwear and use disinfectant".
"There is strict movement restrictions in place and rules that you have to follow. So, it's up to all of us to work together to get on top of this disease and to eradicate it. We have a hugely important poultry industry in East Anglia. About a fifth of table poultry is produced in our region and it's worth millions and millions for our local economy".
"We have daily meetings with DEFRA, we're now almost a year into those daily meetings"
Mr Finnerty fears we could be set for a bleaker winter than normal:
"Normally with Avian Influenza outbreaks we get a lull in the summer because it's a virus that gets killed off in hot temperatures but unfortunately we haven't seen that this year. We have daily meetings with DEFRA, we're now almost a year into those daily meetings. Unfortunately looking through the winter now, where it's historically got worse, we need to be alert about this disease and take every step that we can to protect ourselves".
"One sign of Avian Influenza is high mortality amongst your flock. It's not really something that you can ignore if you have birds, because if they get bird flu, more of them will die. At the earliest signs, we would urge anyone to call in their vet, they will then take some samples and then they we decide in bird flu is present there now".