[Madrat]

I have just reported a farm park to Defra, there flock is out and roaming free 

[Flowerpower136]

What sort of response did you get?

[Madrat]

Don't know only did it today, sent email

[New shoot]

I'm not sure you will get more than a 'thank you for your email' response from DEFRA. 

Did you contact the farm park at all to ask them why the birds were out?  Are they hens or ducks and geese ?

[Madrat]

I just want something done, I'm not bothered if I don't get a response.  It gets complicated because we know the people who own it, they are entirely money orientated.  They have hens, ducks, peacocks, turkeys, guinea fowl  plus other birds, ie parrots owl's etc.

[Flowerpower136]

Some practical advice has been issued too. Not sure if this link will work but worth a try.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/581952/ai-birdflu-factsheet-170106.pdf

Further to the above. I'm aware that copies are being mailed to those with registered flocks but it's seems a bit hit and miss and obviously will still be missing all the little flock people, especially those not regularly on line.

I'm going to print a few copies and get them up in local shops and village noticeboards etc.  Every little helps.

[Madrat]

Got a response today

Good Afternoon,

 

 

Thank you for email including location details of poultry keepers not complying with the Avian Influenza Prevention zone.

 

The information has been recorded. We are not an enforcement agency but we will investigate and take appropriate action where necessary.

 

 

 

Kind Regards,

 

Alice

APHA Customer Advice Team

 

 

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)

Telephone: 03000 200 301 Fax:01392 266374

Website: www.gov.uk/apha | Twitter: @APHAgovuk | Facebook: aphagov

Address: Isca Building, Manley House, Kestrel Way, Exeter, Devon EX2 7LQ

 

[ACatCalledElvis]

Another outbreak reported today - next to the first outbreak site in Louth, Lincolnshire. I thought we were doing well with no outbreaks for nearly a week - but alas its still around

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-38648058

[Willow_Warren]

This might be a little random and slightly off topic but are there any "Proventions Zones" across Europe? i.e. Chickens being confined to inside and not free ranging?

Thanks

Hannah

[mumofstig]

There are EU wide rules re Avian Flu, we have the same rules.

https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/animal-diseases/control-measures/avian-influenza_en

[Chrysalis]

I'm in a dilemma.  Any advice would be appreciated.

We are keeping our birds in and undercover, which is no hardship ,as that's how they are normally in a fox-proof run.
However, I have a colleague at work, whose husband is a farmer and an uncle-in-law, who has a flock of hens, neither of whom are complying with the DEFRA stuff.  They just say, "well, if they get birdflu, they'll die, so what's the problem?!"  My OH and I have tried to explain about bio-security, EU wide quarantine, and the need not to spread the disease locally, but these folk seem oblivious and just shrug their shoulders.  I don't want to cause a row at work, as it's very stressful just now and we may all lose our jobs, or to upset my OH's uncle.

Any tips on how to proceed?.....

Ta. C

[sunshineband]

Maybe do what Madcat did, (read older posts in this thread) as that seems to have had a suitable response. Hppe that helps

[New shoot]

I don't know if anything concrete will happen if you report them.  I suspect not unless there is an outbreak nearby and DEFRA have a ready made list of non-compliers to visit, but the information may help with the containment of the disease.  I think I would make the call or drop them an email.

Any hens not being kept in are at the same risk as wild birds, so view them that way.  Keep your hens safe and away from them, including keeping the owners of them well away from your flock.  Keep your run footwear at home and don't use it anywhere else. 

Its very disheartening when you have made efforts to explain, but been ignored.  Its also not fair on all poultry and other captive bird keepers in the area.  If they really are that uncaring that their attitude is 'well if the hens die, they die' I'm not sure what else you can do 

[Madrat]

 
We will never stop the spread of anything if people don't follow quarantine rules, why are DEFRA not policing the situation??  And issuing big fines or removing licences???  As I said before this whole situation is a big joke.

[Madrat]

OK I give up,  a local farmer is selling off his 1 year old birds this weekend, what a great way to bring the virus to his farm and spread it to the rest of the county and beyond.  I'm sure he will be following DEFRAS advice but even the Hen welfare trust has suspended there operations until the quarantine is over.