Is that no new reports wince Wed? Looks hopeful for this winter at least. Assuming we make it through this year I think all us poultry keepers will have to give serious thought to how we deal with the next time as I think it will become more frequent. Polytunnels going up here.
Avian flu Protection Measures in force.
- Thread starter Dealer
- Start date
Greenbeast
Member
- Location
- East Sussex
Indeed. I will be considering our options for next year as we want to refresh and increase our flock after this
HolzKopf
Member
- Location
- Kent&Snuffit
Is it law? If so what law? Ours are in and have disinfectant footbath in and out of gate where chicken shed is but a neighbour and a family member both say they 'can't comply because it would be cruel' i.e. they can't be bothered. Both are aware of the guidance because I've told them and copied the links to the sister-in-law. But it's made no difference. I can't see anyone policing it, particularly garden flocks and who would prosecute? Defra, the Police? Can't image any Defra reps roaming around or our local coppers pulling up.
Maybe it's just like insuring your house contents; it's not compulsory but you'd regret it if something happened. Is it just where your ethics and morals are? I don't throw rubbish out the car window either.
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The CVO(UK) confirmed today a new case of avian influenza H5N8 in turkeys on a commercial unit in East Lindsey, Lincolnshire. A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone were put in place around the premises.
The humane culling of all birds at the unit will be completed as soon as possible.
The link to the declaration is https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...ata/file/583826/ai-pz-lincolnshire-170116.pdf
The humane culling of all birds at the unit will be completed as soon as possible.
The link to the declaration is https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...ata/file/583826/ai-pz-lincolnshire-170116.pdf
Lincs Lass
Member
- Location
- north lincs
We have spent two nights now going round the yard trying to catch the free rangers ,,they are up trees ,roosting in places wheres theres no access to get hold of them ,,managed to round up about 50-60 which half are cockerels ,still a lot roaming round and getting very wise to where they sit ,,as they are now all mixed up we have lots of fighting between dominant birds ,,my pens are to small to hold anymore so it looks like most of them will get necked which is a shame as they lay so well .
the ones still out in the open will end up getting popped of .
Penning them here has created more problems than leaving them out
the ones still out in the open will end up getting popped of .
Penning them here has created more problems than leaving them out
It is for the relevant local authority to prosecute. Whether they will remains to be seen but I doubt it. I do expect change in legislation regarding back yard flocks as this will now be an annual problem so my money is on compulsory registration for even a single bird. It is far more virulent than previous strains and therefore poses a serious risk to human health if it jumps species. Low risk but big impact.
Old Boar
Member
- Location
- West Wales
One neighbour has his geese still out, as "the hut is too small". Another neighbour has her ducks out as "wild birds do not go on the pond". 
Greenbeast
Member
- Location
- East Sussex
Unfortunately our geese and ducks are out. They have 1 horse box for 10 large geese and 10 or so ducks. It's ok over night but no way could they stay in. They however don't the free range the farm, their food and water is inside and i routinely wash my boots down. The chickens also have a horse box but that can at least accomodate them 24/7.
- Location
- Near Beeston Castle
My geese are out in the day too for the same reason. They are penned and their pen is much reduced at the moment. I dip my wellies (which are very clean anyway) on the way in and on the way out with dip that is DEFRA approved for avian flu.
No open water and food only enough they will quickly clear themselves so as not to attract any other birds.
It isn't perfect but it is as much as is practical.
Damned if I know what I am to do with the eggs when they start laying which will be any day now.
No open water and food only enough they will quickly clear themselves so as not to attract any other birds.
It isn't perfect but it is as much as is practical.
Damned if I know what I am to do with the eggs when they start laying which will be any day now.
https://scienmag.com/intensive-animal-production-may-boost-flu-pandemic-threat/
Any comments on this?
Any comments on this?
- Location
- Near Beeston Castle
Isn't it just stating the obvious?
sarfarm
New Member
Whilst a lot of that is true,it is also true that so called intensive farms are also very careful about bio security unlike the backyrd flocks.
We had a case of bird flue locally and the council animal health went door to door in the exclusion zone warning people that they had to keep their birds locked in,result no one took any notice,will prosecutions follow,I doubt it.
As long as the public demand cheap food there will be a market for intensive farming and I have to admit the supermarket chicken is now fit for dog food,full of water,tasteless and pulpy.
When I was young a free range chicken was 40 plus weeks old,now it is measured in days and they are trying to reduce the age all the time and still they can be Freedom Food approved,best joke out.
We had a case of bird flue locally and the council animal health went door to door in the exclusion zone warning people that they had to keep their birds locked in,result no one took any notice,will prosecutions follow,I doubt it.
As long as the public demand cheap food there will be a market for intensive farming and I have to admit the supermarket chicken is now fit for dog food,full of water,tasteless and pulpy.
When I was young a free range chicken was 40 plus weeks old,now it is measured in days and they are trying to reduce the age all the time and still they can be Freedom Food approved,best joke out.
- Location
- West Suffolk
Daniel
Member
- Location
- Mildenhall, Suffolk
One shed absolutely fine, another ok, one a bit of a struggle. Had to spend £3k on recirculation fans. The new sheds ventilation system has done a fantastic job of keeping the litter dry and friable all winter. The flip side of that is that with the popholes shut the level of dust in the air has got too high and it's been irritating their eyes.
My solution has been to add extra fans to pull the air out of the shed and to nail mesh over a few popholes so they can be opened and allow some airflow at ground level. Hopefully this will ease the problem.
RushesToo
Member
- Location
- Fingringhoe
Well done you, not easy but doing the best you can in the circumstances.
- Location
- West Suffolk
Any noticeable drop in production?
Daniel
Member
- Location
- Mildenhall, Suffolk
We saw a drop of about 3% about 3 weeks after shut in but have now gained it back. Difficult to know what to attribute it to, could just be the natural fluctuations you get with nature!
- Location
- West Suffolk
That's good to hear, my poor ducks could do with a bath I reckon.