Cases of avian influenza (bird flu) have been confirmed in waterfowl in Bedford Borough, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed.
Swans and geese are particularly affected, but any bird – including domestic poultry and pet birds – can catch the virus.
Health officials say the influenza viruses that affect birds are not well adapted to infect humans, so human cases are rare. Infections in people are usually linked to very close contact with infected birds.
Advice for locals and dog walkers
Public information posters have been put up in areas where infected birds have been found. Residents and visitors are being asked to:
- Keep to footpaths
- Keep dogs on leads
- Do not pick up or touch any sick or dead birds
- Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with droppings
If contact with wild birds or their droppings has been unavoidable, people are advised to wash their hands thoroughly and clean their footwear. This is particularly important if you keep birds at home.
Anyone who finds dead wild birds is asked to report them to DEFRA online or by calling 03459 33 55 77.
Advice for bird keepers
The UK is currently subject to strict control measures as part of a national effort to control the spread of avian influenza.
England is in an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), which means bird keepers must follow legal hygiene and biosecurity rules to help stop the disease spreading.
Within the AIPZ, mandatory housing measures may apply depending on how many birds you keep and what you do with them:
- If you have more than 50 birds, you must house them. This applies to all types of birds.
- If you keep fewer than 50 birds for your own use only (for example, you do not sell or give away their eggs or meat), you do not have to house them.
- If you keep fewer than 50 birds but sell or give away their eggs, poultry products, or live birds, you must house them. These birds are classed as ‘poultry’.
All bird keepers are also required to register their birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Further guidance on what you must do if you keep birds – including full details of current AIPZ and housing requirements – is available at Gov.uk.
