Bird flu has been detected in West Cumbria.
The Government has announced that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been diagnosed at a premises near Aspatria. A case has also been found in Annan.
it means that 3km protection and 10km surveillance zones are now in place around the site.
The zones restrict access to locations where birds are kept and impose restrictions on the movement of birds. They do not limit access to residents or business owners.
The protection and surveillance zones will apply until the zone is withdrawn or amended by DEFRA.
Temporary road signs are in place along the zone boundaries for awareness.
It is also now a legal requirement that all bird keepers keep their birds indoors and keep them separate from wild birds which spread the disease.
It is also vital bird keepers maintain strong biosecurity measures by regularly checking and maintaining sheds and cleaning and disinfecting footwear to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
Earlier this week, when it was revealed that bird flu had been found in Gretna – affecting premises in Longtown – Colin Cox, director of public health for Cumbria County Council, said: “I want to reassure residents that the risk to public health from avian flu is very low.
“However, if you do find any dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds while out and about, DO NOT touch or pick them up, please report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
“I would also urge bird keepers to be vigilant for any signs of disease and report any suspected cases to their nearest Animal and Plant Health Agency office.”
