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Control zone placed around Christchurch after avian flu confirmed in Priory peregrine death




A three-kilometre animal control zone has been put in place around areas in Christchurch and Bournemouth after several birds died of avian flu.

At least one of two peregrine deaths at Christchurch Priory has been confirmed as bird flu, and several swans on the Avon have been found dead over the past two weeks.

Testing by the Animal and Plant Health Agency found the female peregrine tested positive for avian flu and her male partner is also suspected to have been killed by it.

Red warning signs have been put up around Christchurch
Red warning signs have been put up around Christchurch

There have been other cases of bird deaths in several areas within the control zone, which has seen red warning signs erected. Areas in the Christchurch control zone include Hurn, Bournemouth airport, Avon Causeway and St Catherine’s Hill.

Those in the area who are registered with Defra as having chickens or other captive birds are being contacted by officers to check they are keeping them indoors and giving advice on how to spot the symptoms of bird flu.

This week the Priory posted a statement about their deaths, which revealed: “We have received an official cause of death notification from the Animal and Plant Health Agency that our female peregrine was found to have tested positive for avian influenza.

“We have not yet been officially notified about the cause of death for the male of the pair.”

BCP Council put the control zone in place after learning that there had been “several cases of Avian flu” in its area.

It advised those with birds or poultry to register them with Defra. In rare cases some strains of avian flu can be transmitted to humans so BCP advised that – although the “risk is very low” – those who see dead or sick birds not touch them.

The council said its trading standards officers were working alongside representatives from officers from the government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency and Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs teams to help prevent the spread of the disease.

A statement from Public Health England said: “The risk to the public’s health from all four of the virus strains currently circulating in the UK is very low.

Defra has produced a map showing the areas in the control zone
Defra has produced a map showing the areas in the control zone

“Some strains of avian influenza can pass to humans, but this is very rare. It usually requires very close contact between the human and infected birds.

“We would advise you not to touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find."

Defra those in the controlled zone who keep chicken, or other captive birds must keep them isolated in their housing which should be covered to ensure wild birds cannot gain entry.

Food should not be put on the floor to prevent wild birds reaching it and possibly spreading the disease.

Bird keepers must also place a foot dip containing poultry disinfectant at the entry and exit of the area where birds are kept.

Feed, water and bedding must be stored under cover, and steps taken to prevent access by wild birds and to minimise the risk of virus contamination.

Bird keepers must immediately report to the Animal and Plant Health Agency any increased illness, or death in their birds.

No release of game birds is allowed in the zone and anyone who moves poultry, captive birds, meat, feed, manure, slurry, litter or anything else that may be contaminated must cleanse and disinfect their vehicle and other equipment used.

For more information visit: bit.ly/3H3yHDe



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