Business information

County council ready on bird flu

Hertfordshire County Council remains “alert, but not alarmed” following the bird flu outbreak in Suffolk.

Detailed contingency plans have been drawn up with partners including the Department of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Herts police and district and borough councils.

Following events at the weekend, the council is in close contact with DEFRA and the State Veterinary Service (SVS) and is reminding residents that the chances of humans being infected are extremely low.

Keith Emsall, Executive Member for Community Safety, said: “We have done significant work with partners to ensure that any signs of avian flu are detected at the earliest opportunity.

“As the incident in Suffolk has shown, it is crucial to know where birds are in the event of any outbreak and to quickly inform all poultry owners of the measures they need to take to prevent it spreading.

“Trading standards officers are ready to provide support and advice to poultry owners and our advice to residents is to remain calm but vigilant.

“Our officers are on full alert and residents can be reassured that we have detailed plans in place to immediately contain an outbreak in Hertfordshire.”

Hertfordshire Trading Standards, which is leading the contingency operation, operates a 24-hour call-out service for animal health, which is used in such situations

There are no restrictions in place specifically in Hertfordshire, but nationally all bird shows and pigeon races are cancelled until further notice.

All keepers of poultry are advised to register on the National Poultry Register, if they have not already done so, even if they have less than 50 birds. To register call 0800 634 1112.

Poultry keepers should be vigilant and exercise good standards of hygiene and bio-security, contacting a vet if they suspect avian flu.

Residents are advised to cook all poultry and poultry products properly.

Further information on avian flu can be found on www.hertsdirect.org/yrccouncil/hcc/corpservices/tradingstandards/ and www.defra.gov.uk.