AN outbreak of avian influence H5N1 – also known as Bird ‘Flu – has been found in birds at premises near Helsby.
Special measures are being taken by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), Defra, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the UK Health Security Agency to contain any spread of the virus.
It is the second case of the disease in the Frodsham area – an outbreak was discovered at Great Barrow in November.
But residents are assured that the risk to the public remains very low.
Avian Influenza is a disease which mainly affects birds, but on rare occasions, can affect mammals including humans.
As a result, several measures are being put in place to help prevent this from happening. This will include a 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone. Owners are reminded that all poultry and captive birds in the 3km Protection Zone have to be kept inside unless otherwise directed by a veterinary inspector.
The zones restrict access to locations where birds are kept and impose restrictions on the movement of birds. They do not limit access to residents or business owners. Further details on the zones can be found on the government website.The protection and surveillance zones apply from 18 December 2021 until withdrawn or amended by Defra.
Ian Ashworth (pictured), director of public health for CWAC said: “The risk to public health is very low so residents do not need to be alarmed by this development. It is important, however, that people do not pick up sick or dead birds as this can spread the virus.
“If you do find any distressed swans, geese, ducks or other dead wild birds while out and about, please report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
“I am also urging bird keepers to keep their birds inside and look out for any signs of disease. You must report suspected cases to the nearest Animal and Plant Health Agency office by calling 03000 200 301.”
People in direct contact with the originating premises have been contacted and offered appropriate support.
Avian Influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low. However, anyone who is concerned should call NHS 111 or speak to their GP.
•You can find the area covered by the zone on the Defra website
•Find out more about Avian Flu on the government website
•You can read the declaration from Defra online.
Advice for people who keep birds is also available on the government website
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is already in place cross the whole of Great Britain to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds. That means it is now a legal requirement for poultry and other captive birds to be housed or otherwise kept separate from wild birds and for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks.
Keepers with more than 500 birds now need to restrict access for non-essential people on their sites, workers will need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and site vehicles will need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
Backyard owners with smaller numbers of poultry including chickens, ducks and geese must also take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals including keeping them inside.