[New shoot]

Yes it is that time of year again

Link to Government web site here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu

As yet we are not under orders to house birds but please make sure you do your bit.  Try and keep wild birds away from chicken feed and chickens away from anything you put out for wild birds.  Some basic bio-security measures now will help stop it spreading.

Keep an eye on the advice.  There are only a couple of reported cases for poultry, but many more in the wild bird population, so the risk is out there 

[snowdrops]

Thanks New shoot

[John]

Thanks to Yorkie for this list of links:

https://inews.co.uk/news/bird-flu-prevention-zone-birdkeeper-lockdownavian-influenza-cases-cause-risk-poultry-1283223

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#AIPZ

AIPZ in England: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1030990/aipz-declaration.pdf

Scotland:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu/

Wales:
https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu-latest-update

Does not appear to cover N. Ireland

[grinling]

No more free range poultry and need a covered run

[New shoot]

Thanks Grinling.

Link here - all birds to be housed from Monday 29th November

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-latest-situation-avian-influenza-prevention-zone-declared-across-great-britain

[John]

We're in a risky bit - seabirds, colony of crows in the tall trees and lots of little tweeters in the hawthorns. However, the fox-proof run gives them over a square metre each to play in and the sides are scaffold netted which keeps out the little birds as well as the wind. The roof is covered with polytunnel plastic.
Like us, the ladies are getting on a bit so I want them safe.

[New shoot]

Not great news in the latest bird flu outbreak 

https://news.sky.com/story/bird-flu-phenomenal-level-of-avian-flu-in-uk-chief-vet-warns-after-thousands-culled-12490581

[John]

Not really what we wanted 

We've had an outbreak quite near in Gaerwen, Anglesey- An easy flight for bird.

[New shoot]

This is a bit extreme as the guy had ducks living in his house as pets, but just a warning to include yourself in the bio security measures for bird flu with your poultry.  Wash your hands folks!

https://www.livescience.com/uk-first-human-case-h5n1-bird-flu

[New shoot]

In case people missed it.  We are back in bird flu prevention measures.  It may well continue all winter as it did last year, so be prepared.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-prevention-zone-declared-across-great-britain