Bird Flu in the UK, 2021

It is appears that Bird Flu in the UK is back once again. There has been a confirmed a case of H5N1 Avian Influenza at a premises near Wrexham, Wales. Last week a confirmed case was also detected near Droitwich Spa, Wychavon, Worcestershire.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone has been declared across Great Britain effective from 5pm on 3 November 2021.

All bird keepers in Great Britain are required by law to take biosecurity precautions. Find out more: Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declaration.

Remain vigilant for any signs of disease.

This is especially relevant if your birds are in a Higher Risk Area. There is an interactive up to date map available online. 

Anyone who finds dead wild birds should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 335577 (select option 7).

If you keep Game Birds please read the advice on the Game Farm Association website.

Biosecurity advice

If you keep poultry or other captive birds, you must take action to reduce the risk of disease in your flock by following government advice on biosecurity.

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.

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.

It has also been advised that you keep birds 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.

We hope this information helps.

Give us a call, Monday – Friday 7.30 am – 4.30 pm.

01308 485422