Update of Lancashire Avian Influenza Disease Control Area when county health boss issues statement

Lancashire’s main public health boss is encouraging calm in the county after disease control zones have been established in Preston and its surrounding areas.

Cases of bird flu-or bird flu- Confirmed on Salwick’s farm, To the west of Preston.

Avian influenza is a disease that mainly affects birds. In rare cases, it can affect humans and other mammals. as a result, 10km disease control area was set up Around the farm in all directions.

This response is locally led by the Lancashire County Council, the Fylde Autonomous Region Council, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Areas (Defra), the Department of Animal and Plant Health, and the UKHSA (UK Health and Safety Agency).

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The Disease Control Area came into effect on Friday (November 12th) at 8:30 pm. The wider 10km “Zone B” reaches the Bamber Bridge, Lysam, Caterall and Matchholes. A small 3km “Zone A” around the farm includes Swillbrook, Woodplumpton, Leetown, Salwick and Trearez.

Temporary road signs will be noticed as people enter and exit this zone. This control zone restricts access to the area where the bird is kept and restricts the movement of the bird.

“We want to reassure residents that the risk to public health from bird flu is very low,” said Dr. Sakti Carnanity, director of public health and welfare at the Lancashire County Council.

However, he said it is important to leave sick and dead birds where they can be found and call Defra in such cases.

Dr. Karunanithi said: “It is important not to pick up sick or dead birds to prevent the spread of viruses that can rarely affect humans. Go out and report to the Defra helpline at 03459 33 5577. Please give me.

“I also urge the bird zookeeper to be aware of signs of illness and report suspicious cases to the nearest animal and plant hygiene department.”

People in direct contact with Salwick’s farms are contacted and provided with appropriate preventive treatment.

Bird flu is primarily a bird illness and has a very low risk to the health of the general public. However, if you are worried, call NHS 111 or talk to your GP.

British Veterinary Chief Christine Middlemiss said: “H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in commercial poultry facilities in Lancashire. We have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease, and any bird at risk of infection is now at risk. Humanely killed. The UK Health and Safety Agency has confirmed that the risk to public health is low, and the Food Standards Agency states that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk to British consumers. I am.

“We have declared a bird flu prevention zone throughout the UK, so all bird breeders, whether they have a few birds or thousands of birds, have high biosecurity on their farms and small farms. It is important to take action to implement security standards. “

In an approved statement, Exotic Disease Policy Advisor Gordon Hickman said, “The Secretary of State has reviewed the results of a veterinary investigation at a facility near Salwick in Filde, where bird flu is suspected.” rice field. influenza.

“To reduce the risk of bird flu transmission, the Secretary of State has declared the area around these facilities as a temporary controlled area. [see map below].. These measures will apply from 8:30 pm on Friday, November 12, 2021 until this Declaration is withdrawn or amended by a further Declaration. “

This measure is expected to affect all farms and businesses in the marked area where poultry or other captive birds are bred. Occupants of facilities within the zone must record who visited the facility, the date of the visit, and whether that person came into contact with poultry or captive birds.

• You can find the Lancashire area covered by the zone Online here
• Find out more about bird flu here
• You can read the declaration online from Defra click here
• There is also advice for those who keep birds here

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