Leicester_H Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 (edited) Hi Sorry if this is not correct place to post this - but I thought more people would see it here (please move if appropriate) From 12 January 2018, a new Avian Influenza Prevention Zone applies to everyone who keeps poultry or captive birds in specific, targeted areas of South Dorset. All keepers in this Prevention Zone must follow our detailed requirements on strict biosecurity, whether they have commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#prevention-zone Lets hope its contained - Good Luck to all. H Edited January 18, 2018 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 Yes, I just got a text too - although the url in it was broken Just when we thought it was safe...... Coincidentally, I was thinking about AI as I watched some geese flying past my window at work today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnychick Posted January 17, 2018 Share Posted January 17, 2018 Let’s hope it doesn’t spread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 at the moment I think all the Atlantic storms We've had this winter have played a part in keeping it at bay but things could change when the Spring migration starts and the wind starts blowing up from the South or South East Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JM Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Just seen on the DEFRA website that the prevention zone is now national... https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#prevention-zone Jill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted January 18, 2018 Author Share Posted January 18, 2018 See https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu?mc_cid=2bfb84e190&mc_eid=d7ef5a91de#prevention-zone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 It's in Coventry - a bit close for comfort! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Linky Ahhh, the birds which died in this latest outbreak are wild birds in a wildlife centre near Nuneaton. The fact that they are 'on the wing' rather than penned birds makes it a bigger problem as they codul have flown in from anywhere, and some of the birds there could easily have already flown off and spread the disease. It's much harder to detect in wild birds, and many cases go unreported as people just don't find the dead ones. Had the occurrence been in the same area as the one in Dorset last week, then we wouldn't have a UK-wide prevention zone. Having said that, I think it's a good idea that we do have it; this will help prevent any further spread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Can I ask a bit of a dumb question ? If a rat eats flesh from a bird that has died from avian flu would it be able to give it to my chickens in some way ? I know it's called avian flu for a reason but the rat that keeps getting in my run is being particularly brazen and annoying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 I don't 'think' so as it's species-specific, but by tracking in and out of the run there's the risk that it could transfer the virus on its feet. Personally I'd let the dogs on the rat or get someone round with an airgun did I just say that out loud?! I would put some fine gauge weldmesh around the bottom of your run; having vermin in there is never good, but especially with AI around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Thanks Dogmother, I did think that would be the case but the rat is seriously getting on my nerves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Do you take the feed in at night? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Yes, we have been taking the food in every night and I've shut the girls in the cube at the same time. We have even left him tasty morsels in the trap but he just isn't tempted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 The problem is that chicken feed contains vit k, which is an antidote to rat poison Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Yes, I had read that before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnychick Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Someone on another forum posted this link to get SMS or email alerts http://animalhealth.system-message.co.uk/AH_subscribe_index.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Yes, I am subscribed, but it doesn't always work - often there's a post on their site, but you don't get an email or text through Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LosPollosHermanos Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 Another outbreak, near Cambridge this time. http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/news/hertfordshire-news/amwell-nature-reserve-closed-until-1093757 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 Oh dear. My dwindled flock of just two bantams live in a WIR. I had to smile to myself, the wind on Thursday removed the roof, typical when avian flu is on the increase again. OH has now put a nice new roof on it. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 25, 2018 Share Posted January 25, 2018 Another outbreak today in Wales, they are now under prevention measures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted February 5, 2018 Share Posted February 5, 2018 Swans at Windsor now have H5N6 bird flu Not sure about the number but that is what the reporter just said on the local news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 5, 2018 Share Posted February 5, 2018 This strain is a variant on the 'original' H5N1 form. It's more able to adapt and cross the species barrier into humans, mostly found in the far east. Not that that means much to us I am amazed by the number of people who still have their birds out and free ranging this winter, despite the prevention zones. I wonder if it's the lack of comms about it, or just a general complacency as this winter's outbreak isn't as bad as the 2016-17 one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted February 5, 2018 Share Posted February 5, 2018 I am amazed by the number of people who still have their birds out and free ranging this winter, despite the prevention zones. I wonder if it's the lack of comms about it, or just a general complacency as this winter's outbreak isn't as bad as the 2016-17 one. About this time last year we drove to Dorset, to pick up the wood chips from Flyte so Fancy, and I was amazed at the amount of chickens that were all just wandering around. Not a net or roof in sight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted February 5, 2018 Share Posted February 5, 2018 They’re still allowed out now though aren’t they as long as theyre in a fenced area made unattractive to wild birds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted February 5, 2018 Share Posted February 5, 2018 There's a flock that never was put under cover near Cliddesden last year. I haven't been along that route since the new rules were made this year - what's the betting they are out again this year. The fella along the road has kept his netting up all year - he was well ahead for this year - he has so many birds the whole garden seems to be netted over! Well mine are in the cube run - much to their disgust - but super time to enforce worming measures! Double meannie chicken mummy! As for the wild birds - we are surrounded by them so discouraging them is rather pointless! I don't think they can get in the run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
