HEREFORDSHIRE Council is asking for poultry farmers and game keepers to follow the latest government advice regarding avian flu.
In light of the recent outbreak of avian flu across Europe, keepers of poultry and other captive birds in Britain are now required to keep their birds indoors until January 6, or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds.
Herefordshire Councillor David Harlow, cabinet member for economy and corporate services, said: "Herefordshire Council would like poultry and captive bird keepers in the county to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.
"They can help to prevent avian flu by keeping their birds indoors and maintaining good biosecurity on their premises, such as disinfecting clothing, footwear and equipment after contact."
Outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N8) have been confirmed in poultry and wild birds in several countries across Europe. No cases of H5N8 have been found in the UK and the ‘Prevention Zone’ is a precautionary measure to help prevent potential infection from wild birds.
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