Ian Liddell-Grainger urges keepers to follow bird flu rules

There have been more than 130 confirmed cases of avian influenza (bird flu) since late October in the UK – the country's largest-ever outbreak.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone was introduced in Devon, Cornwall, and parts of Somerset on August 31 after the disease was detected in captive birds at nine premises across the south west.

It has also been identified in several wild seabirds.

The prevention zone was declared by the UK's deputy chief veterinary officer and affects bird keepers in the Somerset West and Taunton district.

They must now follow biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.

Mr Liddell-Grainger, who represents Bridgwater and West Somerset in the House of Commons, says the rules must be rigidly observed by amateur and professional poultry keepers.

“Unfortunately, there is evidence that when we have had previous outbreaks, people with a few hens in the back garden or down at the allotment have concluded that the rules don’t apply to them,” he said.

“But every flock, however small, can become a weak link in the chain of protection if the rules are not respected and observed.”

Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger. Picture: UK Parliament (Image: UK Parliament)

Backyard owners with small numbers of poultry including chickens, ducks, and geese must take steps to limit to risk of the disease spreading to their animals.

Keepers with more than 500 birds will need to restrict access of non-essential people to their sites. 

Workers will need to change their clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures, and site vehicles will need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly.

The restrictions will remain in place until further notice and kept under review.

He added: “The real danger lies in people with only a few birds believing they are too small to be covered by the order.”

“This is not the case. One of the ways bird flu is spread is by contact between domesticated and wild birds and that contact can as easily involve one chicken in a flock of five as one on a 500-bird unit.

“We have seen the devastating effects of avian flu on the continent where millions of poultry have been compulsorily slaughtered.

“Anyone who keeps poultry here should be making every effort to help Defra and ensure that the UK outbreak can be successfully contained.”

The risk to public health from the virus is “very low” and properly cooked pountry and poultry products, including eggs, remain safe to eat.