Bird flu detected in Coventry and Warwickshire

[dutchman]

Aggresive bird flu has been detected in wild birds in Coventry and Warwickshire



This is the second confirmed finding of the virus in the UK this winter, following the finding in Dorset earlier this month (January 2018).

Tests have shown that both cases are closely related to the H6N6 strain circulating in wild birds across Europe in recent months.

But Public Health England have advised the risk to public health is very low.

The Food Standards Agency have also offered reassurance that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

A National Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared for the whole of England.

This means it is mandatory for all captive bird keepers in England to put enhanced biosecurity measures in place.

This zone will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review as part of monitoring the threat of bird flu.

People who keep birds and poultry keepers are being contacted. It is vital that anyone who keeps birds, whether a few in a back garden or thousands on a commercial unit is vigilant.

Coventry bird keepers can also contact trading.standards@coventry.gov.uk so that we can keep them update and help as necessary.

[dutchman]

Bird flu: Nuneaton animal sanctuary forced to close



Nuneaton’s animal sanctuary is on lockdown due to the outbreak of bird flu in Warwickshire.

It is with a heavy heart that Geoff Grewcock, who runs the Nuneaton and Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary, has announced it has had to close to visitors.

There are no cases of bird flu at the sanctuary itself, but it on lockdown following guidance from Defra after 13 reported cases at undisclosed locations in Warwickshire.

As a result, the centre is banned from rescuing any birds and will not be able to make any releases.

“This is a major thing,” said the founder of the Oaston Road-based haven.

“We have been told that we can’t have any visitors. We can’t do any rescues with any birds, we can’t do any releases, basically we can’t do anything with wings.”

“I can’t ever remember having anything like this before,” Geoff added.

“We wanted to get the message out there to people so they do not panic. We can’t accept any birds nor can we go out to any.”

He said it was unclear how long the restrictions would be in place but said officials enforced them as soon as they possibly could.

“This will affect so many people, farms are going to have pen up their chickens, all this has got to be done to prevent it from spreading.”

Testing of the birds found in Warwickshire is ongoing, but Defra has said it is highly likely it is the same H5N6 strain of the virus which has been circulating in wild birds across Europe in recent months.

Public Health England have advised the risk to public health remains very low and the Food Standards Agency have said that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

"Grewcock", that's a great name for the manager of a bird sanctuary!