Outbreak of Bird Flu in the UK - Tips for surviving the Bird Flu Rules

With the first case of Avian Flu confirmed on Thursday last week at a farm in Lincolnshire, tighter restrictions are now in place with all gatherings of poultry and captive birds currently banned in Wales. 

After taking some simple measures from our blog Avian Flu - Advice for Poultry Keepers, 
and the further advice from Chief Veterinary Officer that bio security should never be compromised. The following is a recap of the measures that should be in place and what to look for if you think your birds are sick.

What you need to know about the Avian Flu restrictions

1. Outbreaks of H5N8 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) have been confirmed in poultry and wild birds across Europe and one case in the UK.
2. The Exclusion zone remains in place until 6th January 2017 and may be renewed if the danger has not passed.
3. All poultry keepers must keep their birds housed and under-cover to minimise risk of infection from wild birds.
4. This is a precautionary action to help prevent further outbreaks in the UK.
5. Increased bio security measures should be in place. This includes disinfecting clothing and footwear before and after entering poultry areas e.g. wear disposable gloves/coveralls and add a footbath outside the run area filled with Virkon S disinfectant
6. Symptoms to look out for: - Swollen head; neck and throat discolouration; loss of appetite; respiratory distress; diarrhoea. If in doubt, call your vet. 

Keep your birds occupied and reduce
boredom during the current Bird Flu
restrictions by providing pecking treats

What to do to help your birds survive the Bird Flu rules

1. Disinfect house and run weekly. Add a footbath.
2. Use plenty of absorbent bedding to keep birds dry.
3. Sprinkle BioDri or Stalosan to absorb moisture and sanitise the house. 
4. Hang boredom busters and pecking blocks to prevent boredom and feather pecking. 
5. Put a good layer of wood chip in their run, don’t leave them to scratch around on bare earth.
6. Create an enclosed area and cover roof with tarpaulin, rainshades or large PVC sheets

Create a simple footbath using a
tub trug and some Virkon S Disinfectant

Bird Flu - Minimising the risk of infection

We list our 6 top buys to survive the bird flu restrictions

1. Virkon S Disinfectant
2. Hemp Bedding
3. BioDri or Stalosan
4. Hanging Treats
5. Hardwood Woodchip
6. Cover for the run

To avoid running out of any poultry essentials over the Christmas period, our last order date for guaranteed pre-Christmas deliveries is Wednesday 21st December - Order by midday to avoid disappointment. We will be continuing to dispatch right up until Friday 23rd December, lunch time and we return to FSF HQ on 3rd January.

Rural Affairs Secretary, Lesley Griffiths is encouraging all poultry keepers, including those with fewer than 50 birds to provide details of their flocks to the Poultry Register so they can be contacted immediately in the event of any further avian flu outbreaks and associated restrictions. See https://www.gov.uk/guidance/poultry-registration for more information on how you can register.