Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) - Update – 22 November

Following the first confirmed case on Wednesday, 9 November, three more cases have recently been confirmed.  A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone were established around them by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

West Northamptonshire Council’s Trading Standard Officers supported colleagues in North Northants and have visited all homes within the protection zones to speak to residents and identify whether they keep poultry and/or pigs.

Any premises housing birds within those areas are now under restrictions and are required to comply with protection measures.

Details of these zones and the restrictions have been published on the Government website and Trading Standards teams will be responsible for enforcing the orders imposed.

Trading Standards are now carrying out foot patrols and issuing guidance to anyone keeping birds and/or pigs regarding the restrictions.

If WNC are contacted by a member of the public regarding suspected Bird Flu in the area, the caller will be directed to the appropriate helpline.

Those who suspect Bird Flu in their own birds must notify DEFRA on 03000 200 301 – it is a notifiable disease therefore this is a legal requirement.

Those who spot a dead wild bird can call DEFRA on 03459 33 55 77.

Trading Standards will respond to complaints in relation to poultry keepers who may not be complying with the requirements – tradingstandards@westnorthants.gov.uk.