Avian Influenza in the UK
Yesterday - the 12th January poultry keepers in England were notified by DEFRA ( the Government Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) that a case of avian influenza had been confirmed in 17 wild birds in Dorset, the neighbouring county to my home county of Devon.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-flu-found-in-wild-birds-in-dorset
This is the first case of the disease detected this year in this country, although it has been circulating around Europe for a while. The strain is H5N6 a different strain from last year .
The area where the wild birds were found is a beautiful wetland area popular with migratory wildfowl -Abbotsbury Swannery
https://abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/swannery/
For now a prevention zone has only been put into force in the immediate locality where the birds were found. Heightened bio security has been advised for all poultry keepers.
Last year's reaction to AI reaching Britain was chaotic There was poor communication between the Government, Veterinary Practises and poultry keepers (especially small backyard keepers)
Much of the advice given by various bodies was conflicting and guidelines were interpreted to suit individuals (or so it seemed) and many smaller poultry keepers chose to ignore the regulations altogether.
This year, so far, seems more streamline. There has been regular bio security advice given out over social media and those signed up to APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) received early notification.
The case was only confirmed on the 9th
http://www.oie.int/wahis_2/public/wahid.php/Reviewreport/Review?page_refer=MapFullEventReport&reportid=25663&newlang=en
Fingers are crossed that we won't have to keep the birds in lockdown for as long as last year , if at all. With immediate updates and regulations heeded by all we may be able to contain any outbreaks.
Thanks for this post. Only yesterday we saw a programme (on BBC2) about young farmers who started from scratch and were entered for the National Farming prize for Newcomers in another category. Five hopefuls shared their stories and they were heartwarming. All had a passion for farming and they should all have won! It was won by a young man city born (Manchester) who has done so well with work and development that he's amazing, he also has a young wife and 3 young children. One of these enterprising Farmers had thousands of free range chickens. I can only imagine what they will be going through, as you will be. Let's keep positive and hope that it will be contained and blow over in a very short time. The problem with ministries is that they tend to get their messages mixed! Good luck with all your endeavours.
Thank you and thank you for your vote. There does seem to be a more positive attitude towards AI this year and the strain is less virulent than last so hopefully all will be well.