Warning After Avian Flu Cases Confirmed in North Yorkshire

Easingwold: Two cases of avian flu have been confirmed. To keep birds safe, a three-kilometre protection zone and a ten-kilometre surveillance zone are now in place.

These zones require bird owners to keep better records and enhance biosecurity. Unnecessary bird movements are restricted to prevent further spread.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is also active in York and North Yorkshire. This follows similar measures in other areas like Hull and Lincolnshire.

Councillor Greg White emphasized the importance of these measures to protect birds. He urged bird owners to register their birds and report any sick ones.

The AIPZ mandates housing and biosecurity for all kept birds. These rules will stay until further notice and will be regularly reviewed.

Since October 2024, all poultry and captive birds must be registered. The risk to public health is low, and properly cooked poultry is safe to eat.

People should avoid picking up sick or dead birds. Recently, 25 avian flu cases were confirmed in England and one in Scotland.

Symptoms of the virus include swollen heads, loss of appetite, and respiratory issues. More guidance for bird owners is available on the Government’s website.

Anyone who finds dead wild birds should report them to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. If kept birds show signs of disease, report it to the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately.