West Berkshire Council visit poultry farmers as advice is issued on avian flu
WEST Berkshire Council has been visiting poultry farmers as contingency plans for a bird flu outbreak are put in place.
Steps have been taken to advise poultry keepers following the eruption of the HN51 strain of avian flu in Suffolk last week.
The Animal Health team at the council has been working closely with Defra to guide farmers on how to reduce the risk of infection, spot symptoms and what to do if there is an outbreak.
Unusual deaths in the area?s wild bird populations are also being monitored ? and the council is asking the public to stay vigilant.
Any sightings of one or more dead swans, ducks or geese or groups of ten or more wild birds of the same species should be reported to the Defra helpline on 08459 33 55 77.
The public are also warned not to disturb any such finds.
Bird owners with concerns about their animals should contact their vet or call the Animal Health team on 01635 519930.
WEST Berkshire Council has been visiting poultry farmers as contingency plans for a bird flu outbreak are put in place.
Steps have been taken to advise poultry keepers following the eruption of the HN51 strain of avian flu in Suffolk last week.
The Animal Health team at the council has been working closely with Defra to guide farmers on how to reduce the risk of infection, spot symptoms and what to do if there is an outbreak.
Unusual deaths in the area?s wild bird populations are also being monitored ? and the council is asking the public to stay vigilant.
Any sightings of one or more dead swans, ducks or geese or groups of ten or more wild birds of the same species should be reported to the Defra helpline on 08459 33 55 77.
The public are also warned not to disturb any such finds.
Bird owners with concerns about their animals should contact their vet or call the Animal Health team on 01635 519930.