PHE advises on how to reduce the risk of catching bird flu

Public Health England (PHE) has published an update on the latest situation on avian influenza, otherwise known as bird flu, after an outbreak was confirmed in a commercial turkey unit in East Lindsey, Lincolnshire.

Following the confirmation of avian influenza H5N8, PHE said it had put in place a 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

The statement maintained that while the risk to public health is very low, there are some measures people can take to reduce their risk and protect their poultry.

PHE said: “If you keep poultry – whether on a commercial scale or simply a small backyard flock – you are now required by law to house them (keep them under cover) or otherwise keep them separate from wild birds. This requirement (the Prevention Zone) has now been extended until 28 February 2017. We have also banned gatherings of poultry across the UK.

“All poultry keepers must continue to keep a close watch on the health of their birds, and take steps to reduce the risk of infection via the environment, for example in wild bird droppings, by practicing good biosecurity. You should do this even if your birds are inside.”

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This story was first published in digitalhealth.net

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