Bird flu outbreak: New rules for bird keepers over the border in Cheshire

 

Cheshire West and Chester Council has issued new guidance for bird keepers after an outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed at a commercial poultry site near Bromborough, Wirral.

The outbreak, declared on 9 February, has led to the introduction of 3km protection and 10km surveillance zones, which extend into parts of Cheshire West.

All birds at the affected premises have been humanely culled to prevent the spread of the disease.

Councillor Stuart Bingham, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride, explained how these measures affect the borough: “In Cheshire West, the 3km protection zone affects mainly the wards of Willaston and Thornton, Neston, Little Neston and Parkgate. The wider 10km surveillance zone takes in part of Saughall and Mollington and all the Ellesmere Port urban wards.”

“These zones have been established to stop the movement of birds and prevent the spread of the infection. They do not restrict the movement of people,” he added.

Mandatory Housing Measures from 16 February

In response to the outbreak, mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds will come into force across Cheshire and Merseyside from 00.01 on Sunday 16 February.

Bird keepers are urged to check the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) interactive disease map to see if their premises are within a control zone.

Key requirements for bird keepers include:

• Compulsory housing of all poultry and captive birds
• Restrictions on the movement of mammals onto and off premises where birds are kept in the 3km and 10km zones
• Strict biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the disease

Working to Contain the Spread

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s animal health team is working closely with Wirral Council, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the APHA, and Public Health England to ensure compliance with control zone requirements.

Councillor Bingham emphasised the importance of vigilance: “All bird keepers are encouraged to maintain high standards of biosecurity. Good biosecurity is an essential defence against diseases such as avian influenza and is key to limiting the spread of the disease in an outbreak.”

The risk to human health remains very low, according to health officials.

Registration Requirement

Bird keepers are reminded that compulsory registration with APHA has been in effect since 1 October 2024. If you keep poultry or captive birds outside your home and have not yet registered, you must do so immediately.

Anyone who finds dead wild birds is advised to report them to DEFRA by calling 03459 335577. Further guidance on avian flu is available on the government website at www.gov.uk.