Protect your birds from the risk of Avian Flu

The following advice was issued to all poultry keepers by DEFRA.

- Feed and water your birds indoors to avoid contamination by wild birds and other animals
- Make sure yout premised are tidy and clean.  Spilled feed, litter and standing water sttract wild birds and vermin.
- Keep birds seperate from wild birds, waterfowl, pets and other animals.  Control vermin.
- Keep visitors and their vehicles away from your birds as far as possible.  If they must have access, make sure all vehicles and equipment are clean.
- Make sure your clothes, footwear and hands are clean, before and after contact with birds.  Any essential visitors should do the same.
- Avoid sharing equipment.  If you do have to share, nake sure it is cleansed and disinfected before and after use.
- Supply clean, fresh drinking water
- Be vigilant when purchasing new birds.  Use reputable sources.  Isolate new birds and birds you have taken off your premises (for example, to a show).
- Look out for signs of disease.  Increased motalilty, falling egg production and respiratory distress may be early signs ofa disease problem.
- If you suspect disease, act quickly and consult your vet.  Bird flu and Newcastle disease are notifiable diseases and must be reported to your local Divisional Veterinary Manager.

Good biosecurity is vital.
Many diseases, not only Avian Influenza but also others like Newcastle disease, Salmonella and Camphylobacter are spread by direct bird-to-bird contact through secretions and faeces, and indirectly through contaminated feed, water, equipment, boots etc.  If in doubt about what to do, seek advice from your vet.

For more information
Visit the DEFRA website at www.defra.go.uk or phone the DEFRA Helpline on 08459 33 55 77.