NPA ADVICE ON PROTECTING YOUR BIRDS AGAINST AVIAN INFLUENZA

DO NOT ALLOW YOUR BIRDS TO FLY OUT, KEEP THEM CAPTIVE AT ALL TIMES UNTIL THE THREAT HAS PASSED,WE WILL ADVISE YOU AS TO WHEN IT IS SAFE TO ALLOW THEM OUT. You may not feel this necessary but should the disease reach the UK all birds within a 6-mile radius of an infection will be culled. It only takes one person to see your birds out flying and because of scaremongering by the media, it is likely that the public will report this to DEFRA and your birds will be culled, its not worth losing years of work for. We have to be able to confirm with DEFRA that our Members birds are captive to try to avoid a culling order. It is imperative that you heed this advice, don't wait until the disease is here, start NOW.

INCREASE YOUR BIOSECURITY. This means ensuring that everything is kept as clean as possible, change water daily and ensure your feed stock comes from a reputable source. Install a footbath with an appropriate disinfectant in and USE IT, faeces are the most likely source for the spread of disease.

IF YOU HAVE AN OPEN AVIARY COVER THE ROOF OVER TO STOP DROPPINGS FALLING IN FROM OTHER SPECIES. This can be done easily with tarpaulin secured onto the main building. Ensure control of vermin.