Cases of avian influenza (bird flu) H5N1 have been confirmed in poultry at several premises in Lincolnshire.
The premises are near:
- 31 October - Swineshead, Boston
- 1 November - Donington, South Holland
- 5 November - Corby Glen, South Kesteven
- 7 November - Alford, East Lindsey
- 23 November - Gainsborough, West Lindsey
- 28 November - Gainsborough, West Lindsey
A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around each premises.
For more information about the current situation, please see Defra’s rolling news story.
If you own birds
By law, you must follow the rules for the disease control zone that you’re in. Find out more on the Government website.
Check what zone you’re in on the Animal and Plant Health Agency interactive map.
If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
Find further biosecurity advice on the Animal and Plant Health Agency website.
Registrating birds
If you have not already, you should register your poultry, even if only kept as pets, so you can be contacted during an outbreak locally. This is a legal requirement.
If you keep poultry or captive birds and have not registered you must do so now using one of the following options:
Online form: www.gov.uk/government/collections/register-as-a-bird-keeper
Telephone: 03000 200 301 – (lines are open 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
Public health
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.
The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
Find more advice for members of the public on the Animal and Plant Health Agency website.
Wild birds
Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.
If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
Defra will then collect some of these birds and test them to understand how the disease is distributed geographically and in different types of bird.
Not all birds will be collected and those that aren’t, it is the landowner’s responsibility to safely dispose of the carcases.