BIRD KEEPERS across Solihull are legally requires to keep their animals indoors to protect them from Bird Flu.
This comes after the Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland agreed to bring in new housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza following a number of confirmed cases across Great Britain.
The new measures mean it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict bio-security measures to limit the spread of and help eradicate the disease.
This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles when entering or exiting sites.
Wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter months can carry the disease and this can lead to cases in poultry and other captive birds.
Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk.
Solihull Council’s cabinet member for stronger and safer communities, Councillor Alison Rolf, said: “I would like to remind all Solihull residents who keep birds – whether on a large scale like farmers or just a few chickens in a back garden – that new measures for housing and looking after your birds come into force.
“Please read the guidance from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and ensure you follow it.”
It is advised people do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds they come across but should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
Bird keepers should report suspicion of disease in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
For more visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu.
