Environment
20 November 2008


sbdc logoAvian influenza (Bird flu)

 


 

The link below will take you to the "DEFRA" website where you will find the latest news regarding bird flu. 

Bird flu, or Avian Influenza, is a bird disease that has, under certain circumstances been transmitted to humans.  Transmission requires the close proximity of those humans to infected birds.  There has never been any human-to-human transmission of this disease.

If you find

  • One or more dead swans, ducks or geese or
  • More than three dead birds of the same species, or
  • More than five dead birds of different species in the same place call the Defra help line (08459 33 55 77) you will be asked to provide details including the location of dead birds.

Not all birds reported will be collected for testing. Where bird carcasses aren't collected it will be the responsibility of the owner/manager of the land to arrange for their disposal.

Government has advised local authorities that the carcasses of one-off garden birds are not likely to pose a significant threat of transmission of the virus. If you are disposing of wild bird carcasses from your own land you are advised to follow sensible hygiene and safety precautions:

  • As far as possible don't touch the carcass, use disposable gloves or plastic bags to protect your hands and clothing.
  • Double bag the carcass prior to disposal with rubbish in the usual way.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water as quickly as possible.
  • Having been in contact with a dead bird, avoid touching your face or eating until your hands have been thoroughly washed.
  • Soiled clothing must be cleaned with detergent soap and water.

Within Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire County Council, is leading the response to Avian Influenza and responsibility rests with Trading Standards Officers working with DEFRA and the State Veterinary Service.
For further information and advice from Buckinghamshire trading standards, follow the link below.

Advice from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
Avian influenza is a highly infectious disease affecting many species of birds, including commercial, wild and pet birds. The most severe form of the disease (highly pathogenic) is a notifiable disease last confirmed in the United Kingdom in 1991.
Highly pathogenic H5N1 has been found in a growing number of EU member states recently and further occurrences are likely. The confirmation in France increases the likelihood that H5N1 may be found in the UK. 
DEFRA has confirmed that it is confident that existing precautionary measures are adequate for the time being.
People who keep poultry and other domestic birds should remain vigilant for signs of the disease and all keepers should maintain a high level of bio-security to reduce the risk of introducing the disease.
The Defra website is regularly updated with guidance and advice on control measures and the latest situation.  It also has a long list of questions and answers that you may find useful, such as what to do if you find a dead bird and whether your pets are at risk. Follow the link below to the Defra Website.

Advice from the Department of Health
Contracting Avian Flu requires very close contact with infected birds.  A slightly different concern is the risk that a human strain flu will mix with the avian strain to develop a new form of human influenza for clear advice on the health aspects follow the link below to the Department of Health's website.

Advice from Food Standards Agency

Eating poultry and poultry products
Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of eggs and poultry products.  Advice regarding national food safety issues is provided by the Food Standards Agency.  The current advice on its website states:

"In areas free from the disease, poultry and poultry products can be prepared and eaten as usual (following good hygiene practice and proper cooking), with no fear of acquiring infection."
Good hygiene practices include washing your hands after touching raw meat.  Thorough cooking of poultry, including eggs, will kill bacteria and virus so that it is safe to eat.  These practices should be applied at all times, not just as a precautionary measure for the risk of bird flu.

Further Questions
Useful advice is available in the form of questions and answers via the following links:

If you wish to discuss your concerns with an officer call Environmental Health on 01895 837264 or email envhealth@southbucks.gov.uk