H5N8 avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed in Cheshire, 2.11.2020

Poultry keepers, please take precautions to limit the risk to your flock.

To ensure good biosecurity, all poultry keepers should:

• minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures
• clean footwear before and after visiting birds, using a Defra approved disinfectant at entrances and exits
• clean and disinfect vehicles and equipment that have come into contact with poultry
• keep areas where birds live clean and tidy, and regularly disinfect hard surfaces such as paths and walkways
• humanely control rats and mice
• place birds’ food and water in fully enclosed areas protected from wild birds, and remove any spilled feed regularly
• avoid keeping ducks and geese with other poultry species, where possible
• keep birds separate from wildlife and wild waterfowl by putting suitable fencing around outdoor areas they access
• keep a close watch on birds for any signs of disease and report any very sick birds or unexplained deaths to your vet