Bird Flu Southwold Area

 Avian Influenza H5N1 (Bird Flu) was again reported yesterday 29th October 2022 on the Defra website.  New infections have been discovered at various locations which now include Saxmundham in Suffolk.   There are currently 3 control zones in areas adjacent to Southwold area which can be seen on the Defra map. 

The current outbreak of bird flu began in 2021 and since Mon 17 Oct 2022, the Chief vet has declared the whole of the UK as an AIPZ (Avian Influenza Prevention Zone). Defra also wrote to residents in the surrounding area to explain the situation and provide Defra Advice if people keep birds, and what to do if people find dead birds. One of the control measures for commercial premises may be to kill the whole flock.

There is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to observe strict biosecurity measures, and movements to/from commercial premises are monitored by Defra with a licensing system.  There is a 3km protection zone, and a 10km surveillance zone.  As usual there are exceptions so that eggs direct to retail premises are allowed as are movements through zones on major highways.  Further details on the Defra site.

The UK's NHS National Health Service website says that bird flu H5N1  rarely infects humans and is not easily spread among humans. Usually happens when they touch an infected bird or it's bedding etc. You can't catch it by eating properly cooked poultry or eggs.