Bird Flu in the UK in 2023

New bird flu outbreak in Lincolnshire

Avian Flu is back in the UK, this time with a new outbreak confirmed at a commercial poultry site in Lincolnshire.

DEFRA confirmed that the outbreak is indeed the H5N1 virus, and currently a Protection Zone of 3km (1.86 miles) and a Surveillance Zone of 10km (6.21 miles) are placed around the property to prevent the influenza from spreading. All eggs are also being monitored.

The risk of the disease spreading to humans is very low, and the H5N1 is common among poultry farms in the UK, with over 300 cases confirmed over the last 3 years.

What to do

While Bird Flu is common, you should still take the right precautions, especially if your birds are in a Higher Risk Area. To keep up any new outbreaks, you can find 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.

How Collins Nets can help

At Collins Nets, we are experts when it comes to poultry keeping.

We stock a number of products that can help every bird keeper with their biosecurity that are also DEFRA approved.

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 hope the information we provided can help you prevent the H5N1 virus from spreading to your poultry. If you are interesting in purchasing any of the products above and you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ring us on 01308 485422.