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<\/p>\nA case of avian influenza has been confirmed in Belford with residents being urged to follow guidance to avoid devastating consequences<\/p>\n
An avian influenza protection zone has been set up in Northumberland after a confirmed case(Image: PA Archive\/PA Images)<\/p>\n
A 10km surveillance zone has been put in place in Northumberland following a confirmed outbreak of bird flu. Residents are being urged to follow strict rules to help contain the highly contagious avian influenza.<\/p>\n
The case has been confirmed at a commercial premises near Belford<\/a>, with Northumberland County Council issuing an appeal to help stop the spread of the virus. The risk to public health is being described as “very low”, however the rapid spreading of the virus between both wild and commercial birds <\/a>is said to have potentially “devastating consequences”.<\/p>\n The response to the situation is being led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), who are being assisted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and the council’s public protection team, as they work to contain the spread of the H5N1 virus.<\/p>\n Precautions have been put in place to do this, including a 3km protection zone, and a 10km surveillance zone, around the site, with all flocks of birds in the area carefully observed. This covers north to Haggerston, west to Doddington and Barmoor Lane End, east to Holy Island and Bamburgh, and south to Chatton and Warenford.<\/p>\n Local residents are being asked to walk dogs in the area on leads only, with a public footpath and bridleway closed because of this. People will be reminded of the situation and the rules they must stick to by posters which are in the process of being put up in the area.<\/p>\n Any bird keepers, whether for commercial use or as pets, who are based in the protection zone, must house or net all poultry and captive birds, to keep them separate from wild birds, and this is a legal requirement at this time.<\/p>\n They are also being asked to regularly clean and disinfect equipment, clothing, and vehicles, and limit access to those who do not need to be there, as part of strict biosecurity measures which will help to keep their birds as safe as possible.<\/p>\n Northumberland County Councillor Gordon Stewart, who is the Cabinet Member for Public Safety, said: “Wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter months can carry the disease and where wild birds are allowed to mix with domestic poultry this can lead to the disease spreading to captive birds.<\/p>\n “Bird keepers should remain alert for any signs of disease, report suspected disease immediately and ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises.”<\/p>\n Gill ONeill, the council’s Executive Director of Public Health, added: “I\u2019d like to reassure the public that this is a disease in birds.<\/p>\n “The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that the risk to human health is very low, and the Food Standards Agency has said that Avian flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers and does not affect the consumption of poultry or eggs.<\/p>\n “We are working with the owners and have strict biosecurity measures in place around the site so we are confident we are doing all we can to try and contain the virus.”<\/p>\n If you come across a dead wild bird, report it to DEFRA on 03459 335577 and select option seven, ensuring that you do not pick up any dead or visibly sick birds. It is important to provide accurate information on where exactly the bird is, with location apps such as ‘what3words’ being particularly helpful.<\/p>\n Report any suspected cases of avian influenza within birds kept as poultry or pets to DEFRA on 0300 0200301, and for more information and guidance about the virus, you can visit the dedicated section of the government website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Did you know you can make ChronicleLive a preferred source of North East news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information<\/a> about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n