Avian Influenza

Advice for farmers, other keepers of birds and North Somerset residents

• Farmers and other poultry keepers
• North Somerset residents
• What to do if you find a dead bird

Defra Helpline: 08459 33 55 77

Farmers and other poultry keepers

Information on the disease and its' effect on your livestock, business, family and workers is available from the
Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

Poultry Registration

If you are a commercial poultry keeper and you have more than 50 birds on your premises then you are required, by law, to register your flock with Defra.

Contact the Poultry Register helpline on 0800 634 1112 or go to Defra's Poultry Registration website

____________________________________________________________

If you keep less than 50 birds you do not have to register, however, North Somerset Council has a voluntary registration scheme. If you have a small flock of poultry that you wish to register with us under this scheme you can do so by telephoning us on 01275 884773 or on-line via our
Poultry Registration Scheme.

For the latest question and answers fact sheet visit the Defra website

Further information is available from 'Animal Health' (formerly State Veterinary Service.

If you have any specific questions or would prefer to speak to someone regarding Avian Influenza please contact the Defra helpline on:-

08459 33 55 77

Supplies of information leaflets are available from our office. If you would like a copy of any of the leaflets please contact us.

North Somerset residents

Advice regarding Avian Influenza and Public Health can be found on the
Health Protection Agency website.

If you have any specific questions or would prefer to speak to someone regarding Avian Influenza please contact the Health Protection Agency's Regional Office on:-

01453 829740

What to do if you find dead wild birds

The advice given here applies in all circumstances where members of the public may come across a dead bird.

If you find dead wild gulls, waders, ducks, geese or swans in the North Somerset area (which is within a surveillance area) please contact the Defra helpline on

08459 33 55 77

The current Defra helpline opening hours are 8.00 am to 8.00 pm every day.

They may wish to have the birds examined for signs of specific diseases. They will advise you on what action you should take.

If the dead bird is a single, small garden, or wild bird then you do not need to call Defra.

You should:

Leave it alone, or follow the guidelines below for disposal

People should follow some simple hygiene precautions which will minimise the risk of infection. It is difficult for people to catch avian influenza from birds and the following simple steps are also effective against avian influenza.

If you have to move a dead bird

• Avoid touching the bird with your bare hands

• If possible, wear disposable protective gloves when picking up and handling

• Place the dead bird in a suitable plastic bag, preferably leak proof. Care should be taken not to contaminate the outside of the bag

• Tie the bag and place it in a second plastic bag

• Remove gloves by turning them inside out and then place them in the second plastic bag. Tie the bag and dispose of in the normal household refuse bin.

• Hands should then be washed thoroughly with soap and water

• If disposable gloves are not available, a plastic bag can be used as a make-shift glove. When the dead bird has been picked up, the bag can be turned back on itself and tied. It should then be placed in a second plastic bag, tied and disposed of in the normal household waste

• Alternatively, the dead bird can be buried, but not in a plastic bag

• Any clothing that has been in contact with the dead bird should be washed using ordinary washing detergent at the temperature normally used for washing the clothing.

• Any contaminated indoor surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with normal household cleaner.

North Somerset Council, Trading Standards Service, Somerset House, Oxford Street, Weston super Mare, Somerset, BS23 1TG
Telephone: 01275 888634    Fax: 01275 888683
Electronic Mail: trading.standards@n-somerset.gov.uk