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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 31st August 2022
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AIPZ declared in south-west region
The disease was confirmed at nine premises across the south-west region since last month. Several cases were also found in wild seabirds.
Measure declared to prevent spread of disease.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across Devon, Cornwall and parts of Somerset, following a large number of detections of avian influenza in poulty, wild and captive birds in the area.

From midday on Wednesday 31 August, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Devon, Cornwall (including the Isles of Scilly) and parts of Somerset to follow strict biosecurity measures, regardless of flock size.

UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Richard Irvine said: “Following a number of detections of avian influenza we have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone across Cornwall, Devon and parts of Somerset. This means that all bird keepers in the region must take action now to both prevent disease getting in to flocks and it spreading any further.

“Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you are now legally required to introduce higher biosecurity standards on your farm or small holding. It is in your interests to do so in order to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”

The introduction of the AIPZ means that all bird keepers in the region must:

  •  cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing

  •  reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control

  •  thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis

  •  keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points

  •  minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds

  •  prevent access by poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas.

Defra has announced that the AIPZ will be in place until further notice, and will be kept under regular review. 

Further information can be found here.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.