Halton Borough Council has been informed that a case of Avian Flu has been identified amongst a small flock of captive birds at a property in Hale village.
Due to the high incidence of Avian Flu in the UK, the Government has currently put an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the whole of the UK. In England this requires that ALL captive birds are housed to prevent contact with wild birds and reduce the risk of the disease spreading.
A further 3km captive bird monitoring and control zone has also been implemented around the premises in Hale. This includes the village of Hale and parts of Liverpool and Knowsley.
In addition to national requirement for birds to be housed additional controls within the monitoring and control zone require keepers of poultry and captive birds to avoid moving birds or eggs on or off the premises, but if they do they must keep a record of any movements. Poultry and bird keepers should also monitor their birds for signs of disease and exercise good bio security.
Halton Council will work with the Government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency and neighbouring local authorities to implement any further controls required and will keep the public updated with any developments or further action required.
If you have concerns about avian flu in poultry and captive bids you must report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301.
Avian flu is a disease of birds. The risk to human health is minimal however the public should avoid close contact with wild birds and in particular avoid hand feeding wild birds including ducks and geese.
Further information on the signs of bird flu and how to report it can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu