[8doubles]

I cant believe how slap dash this quarantine has been.

The only way you can quarantine a wild duck is with 36 grams of no 5 steel shot !

[Madrat]

*** I never mentioned wild ducks.   

[8doubles]

*** I never mentioned wild ducks.   

My point being 100% tight quarantine is of little worth when you cannot control what is flying around .

[Madrat]

 

[New shoot]

Can I just add a gentle reminder that this is a family friendly forum and swearing isn't allowed, even if disguised. 

We are a very friendly forum all round and and prefer our members to address each other in a positive and friendly manner.

Avian flu is a serious and worrying matter for a lot of us and this thread is a constructive way for us to share information, advice and generally be around to chat if people want to talk to someone.

A link to the site polices in case anyone is unclear about how 'tis done round here 

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=19481.0

[Paul Plots]

Flowerpot136 - thanks for the link - useful for reference.

[John]

My point being 100% tight quarantine is of little worth when you cannot control what is flying around .

Of course you can't control wild birds but you can protect your flock from interacting with them and being exposed to their droppings. There was a commercial poultry farmer on TV the other day with a number of sheds. His approach was to ban visitors unless absolutely necessary - and then they had to to boot wash, tyre wash for delivery wagons. Even when he walked out of one shed and 5 yards to the next, boots scrubbed in biocide.

Few people will go to those lengths but every little does help

[8doubles]

My point being 100% tight quarantine is of little worth when you cannot control what is flying around .

Of course you can't control wild birds but you can protect your flock from interacting with them and being exposed to their droppings. There was a commercial poultry farmer on TV the other day with a number of sheds. His approach was to ban visitors unless absolutely necessary - and then they had to to boot wash, tyre wash for delivery wagons. Even when he walked out of one shed and 5 yards to the next, boots scrubbed in biocide.

Few people will go to those lengths but every little does help

Agreed you should protect your stock to the best of your ability , but the chances of stopping worms , slugs or insects from eating infected droppings outside the shed or protective cover and  then visiting your stock are remote .

[Paul Plots]

Bad news: Abbotsbury Swannery hit by avian flu - 9 birds found dead.

Link to Abbotsbury

[mumofstig]

Yes, I found it here
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15009595.Nine_cases_of_bird_flu_confirmed_in_swans_at_popular_tourist_attraction/

[8doubles]

Yes, I found it here
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15009595.Nine_cases_of_bird_flu_confirmed_in_swans_at_popular_tourist_attraction/

Shame about the ex batts not being rehomed too!
A lot of hard work goes into giving those hard working hens a bit of quality retirement life .

[sunshineband]

It does bring it home how important it is to guard your own birds as well as you can

[New shoot]

Another case here at the RSPB Conway reserve 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-38561995

[New shoot]

This is a roundup that might be helpful as well.  The latest case isn't included. 

Ducks and other wetland birds seem to taking the brunt of it, so if you have any of these flying around over your run, it is even more vital you do everything you can to protect your birds against contact with them or their droppings.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-38554834

[8doubles]

There is a story in one of the local paper about a swan crash landing in a school playground and being collected and released by the RSPCA  at a nearby pond !

I know swans occasionally mistake wet tarmac for water and land on roads but it is possible that bird flu may have played a part .

No mention was made of any tests before release .