Public urged to follow rules to help contain bird flu outbreak in Northumberland

The Animal and Plant Health Agency is leading the response to the current situation, supported by the UK Health Security Agency and Northumberland County Council’s Public Protection team, following the outbreak of avian influenza at a commercial premises near Belford.

Although the risk to public health is very low, it is a highly contagious virus that can rapidly spread between wild birds and commercial flocks with devastating consequences.

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been put in place around the site, where all commercial and non-commercial flocks will be carefully observed.

The 10km zone covers north to Haggerston, west to Doddington and Barmoor Lane End, east to Holy Island and Bamburgh, and south to Chatton and Warenford.

A public footpath and bridleway in the area are closed and local residents are asked to walk dogs in the area always on leads. Posters are also being put up in the affected area to ensure the public are aware of the situation.

It is a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the 3km protection zone to house or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds.

This applies whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks, or just a few birds in a backyard flock.

Gill O’Neill, Northumberland County Council’s executive director of public health, said: “I’d like to reassure the public that this is a disease in birds.

“The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that the risk to human health is very low and the Food Standards Agency has said that avian flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers and does not affect the consumption of poultry or eggs.

“We are working with the owners and have strict biosecurity measures in place around the site, so we are confident we are doing all we can to try and contain the virus.”

Birdkeepers in the area are also asked to undertake other strict biosecurity measures to help limit the spread of the disease and keep flocks safe.

This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles when entering or exiting sites and limiting access to non-essential workers or visitors.

If a member of the public comes across a dead wild bird, they are asked to report it to Defra on 03459 335577 (select option seven) and not to touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds.