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Poultry keepers alerted over avian flu

Advice to keep stock indoors if possible

DEFA is advising poultry keepers on the Island to keep their birds inside where possible to protect them from a highly-infectious strain of avian flu in Europe.

Restrictions have been introduced in England and Scotland following an outbreak of the H5N8 bird flu strain in fourteen countries including Germany and France.

The department says the Island is at less risk due to migratory patterns of wild birds and the current milder weather.

However, the situation will be monitored and advice changed if merited.

·         Keep all feed bins covered to prevent access by wild birds

·         Do not encourage wild birds to feed or drink with domestic poultry

·         In the case of turkeys, close off any outdoor runs in the short period before Christmas

·         Anyone who feeds, handles, or contacts wild birds should change their clothing and disinfect before entering any domestic bird enclosure – if alternative personnel can be used, this would be best

·         Ensure bird houses are secure and wild birds cannot enter, and rodent control programmes are kept up to date.

 

Chief Veterinary Officer Stuart Jacques says the scale of poultry farming on the Island is relatively small:-

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