Overwintering Game Birds and Avian Influenza Protection

There has been a lot of talk about overwintering game birds this year after the problems with importing eggs and chicks this season. But the challenge we face with Avian Influenza in the U.K is unprecedented.

In the south west we have witnessed dead gulls and gannets on the beach. But outbreaks across the country have continued throughout the summer months; when usually AI would wane.

It is certainly a tricky time ahead.

The main factor in the spread of AI is believed to be wild birds such as gulls and corvids. At the moment the main infected areas are coastal.

Take a look at the Government’s up to date list of cases in the U.K. It is quite shocking. At the time of writing (27/09/22) the government has confirmed 131 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in England.

Resources

• Government Interactive AI Map
• Avian Influenza Guide
• AI Cases and Control Zones
• DEFRA approved disinfectant and how to use it

Biosecurity

Now is the time to revisit your biosecurity arrangements.

Good biosecurity improves the overall health and productivity of your flock. It helps to keep out poultry diseases such as avian influenza and limiting the spread of disease in an outbreak.

This applies just as much if you only have a few birds as pets, or if you have a large commercial flock. An outbreak of bird flu in back garden chickens results in the same restrictions on movement of birds. It has the same effect on farmers and trade in poultry as an outbreak on a commercial farm.

If you are overwintering game birds this year we would advise reading the up to date DEFRA Biosecurity Document available online.

We stock a number of products than can help every keeper of birds with their biosecurity.

DEFRA approved disinfectants

Interkokask – 10 litres

Interkokask is a veterinary disinfectant with a special formula which includes Chlorocresol. This is a lipid solvent that breaks through the protective triple outer protein/lipid/chitin layers. These are found in many pathogens and parasites, including bacteria, enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, fungi. As well as protozoa such as Cryptosporidium and coccidial oocysts.

• It is not known to be corrosive at recommended ready-to-use dilutions.
• Proven against coccidiocis, bacteria (salmonella), viruses (avian influenza), red mites, worms and more.
• Can be used on all rearing equipment.
• Can be applied by foaming lances, sprayer or knapsack.

Fam 30 – 5 litres or 25 litres

• DEFRA approved disinfectant for Foot & Mouth, Swine Vesicular, Avian Influenza, TB & General Orders.
• Cleans and disinfects in one.
• Active in the presence of organic matter (e.g. muck).
• Quickly kills bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Clean drinking water

It has also been advised that you keep all drinking water clean. We have two products in stock which sanitise the drinking water. Use a dosatron to dose your water on automatic drinker systems.

CID Clean

• Removes slime deposits (biofilm).
• Removes traces of medicaments and vitamins.
• Effective against bacteria, fungi and algae.

CID 2000 – CID 2000 has a triple action:

• Cleaning of the drinking system.
• Removing both organic and inorganic (scale) dirt.
• Optimising the pH-level of the drinking water.

We also supply rain covers for the Watermaster drinkers.

Netted structures

Collins Nets stocks a large range of mesh netting which is commonly used as roof netting to cover outdoor pens. We also stock a range of galvanised wire netting and chicken wire which is ideal for the building of chicken runs, cages and pens.

Advice on netted structures:

• When using a netted structure, paying special attention to keeping wild birds from perching on the roof and defecating through it. For example you should consider using additional deterrent methods.
• Constructing temporary outdoor pens using straw bales and a tarpaulin roof with bird proof netted gaps for light and ventilation.
• If bad weather is likely to be a problem, it may be necessary to erect a windbreak around your bird-proof structure.

Bird Flu Protection Netting:

• 19 mm Square Mesh is our smallest net size available – this will keep out all wild birds.
• Alternatives meshes in stock: 28mm, 38mm and 50mm.

Alleviate boredom in captive birds

A problem that is common with kept poultry also occurs with captive game birds. Boredom.

One of the most popular products that we sell will come in to its own if you are overwintering game birds for a breeding stock: