The Isle of Wight Council is urging Island poultry keepers to ensure they protect their birds, and for everyone to be vigilant around domestic and wild birds, after a case of bird flu was confirmed in a dead White-Tailed Eagle on the Isle of Wight.
Since November 2021 there have been nationwide restrictions to protect poultry from an outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu).
This is the first confirmed case of the disease being carried by a wild bird on the Island during the current outbreak.
Anyone keeping even a few birds, including chickens, ducks and geese, is legally obliged to follow the requirements which are designed to keep domestic birds from coming into contact with wild birds, helping to keep them safe from infection.
Anyone who does find a dead or sickly wild bird should not touch it, and not let pets touch it, but contact the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
The UK government has declared a Nationwide Prevention Zone in November 2021, and this remains in force. This means anyone who keeps poultry (including pets) must:
- House or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds;
- Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources;
- Feed and water birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds;
- Minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures;
- Clean and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy;
- Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas.
An Isle of Wight Council spokesman said:
“Bird owners so far have mostly been careful and thorough in following the requirements for feeding arrangements and biosecurity. But now the disease has been confirmed here on our Island it is vital that we continue protecting the welfare of both captive and wild birds.
Article continues below this advertisement “It’s important for everyone to be aware of this risk, because anybody could come across a dead wild bird.
“Avian influenza spreads from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces. The disease can also be spread by contaminated feed and water or by dirty vehicles, clothing and footwear.
“It’s important to try to discourage wild birds from coming into contact with any domestic birds – to protect both of them”.
The UK Health Security Agency advises that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency advises that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.
Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are still safe to eat.
The Isle of Wight Council has already contacted owners with larger flocks, but the rules apply to everybody, right across the Island, even if they only have a few birds.
Anybody who keeps poultry, including chickens, ducks and geese, should check the government website for updates and full information on the rules.
UPDATE – It has been confirmed that the case of bird flu on the Isle of Wight was identified from a dead Sea Eagle.
I have noticed the drop in wild birds, especially over the colder periods as bird feeders were still full. Even today the only birds about are pigeons and magpies.
You might find thats more to do with council surge in housing estate developments reducing the birds habitats and then introducing birds of prey.
Not applicable in my location, I am somewhat dismayed at the mutilation of hedge rows though as the seasons have changed I think the birds breeding seasons have also.
It’s about time DEFRA came up with a vaccine for our pet/captive birds. This happens year after year, it’s ridiculous, they’re an absolute waste of space. If we still had the Ministry of Agriculture, I’m sure they would have come up with something by now.