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Avian Influenza scare advice
As ‘bird flu’ (Avian Influenza) has been confirmed in Scotland, the Council’s Environmental Health team are advising concerned residents to remain calm and to follow Government advice if they come across a dead bird. In addition, they are advising ‘bird owners’ to contact the team so that if a local outbreak occurs owners can be kept informed.
“We obviously sympathise with worried pet owners and bird keepers. We are monitoring the situation locally and residents will be aware of a change if it occurs. We would be grateful if people who keep birds can contact us - we will then be able to contact them quickly if there is ever a need to do so. Our colleagues at DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) are already aware of contact details relating to larger flocks of birds.” said David Candeland, Environmental Health Technical Officer.
People who hold birds at their premises should call or e-mail the team with the following information:
- how many birds are kept;
- type of birds;
- location of the birds; and
- owners name, address, telephone number and email address (if applicable).
The information will be used to keep owners advised of the current situation and for notification purposes if an outbreak occurs. People with single birds that are kept indoors do not need to contact the Council.
If members of the public find a dead swan, goose or duck or three or more dead wild/garden birds together they must report it to DEFRA via the DEFRA Helpline on 08459 33 55 77. The current DEFRA Helpline opening hours are Monday to Sunday 6.00am to 10.00pm. They will advise residents on what action to take.
If residents find a dead bird they should leave it alone or remove it following the simple hygiene precautions below, to minimise the risk of infection:
1. Avoid touching the bird with bare hands.
2. Wear disposable protective gloves when picking up or handling.
3. Place the dead bird in a suitable plastic bag, preferably leak proof. Care should be taken not to contaminate the outside of the bag.
4. Tie the bag and place it in a second plastic bag.
5. Remove gloves by turning them inside out and then place them in the second plastic bag. Tie the bag and dispose of it in the normal household refuse bin.
6. Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water.
7. If disposable gloves are not available, a plastic bag can be used as a make- shift glove. The same procedure as above should then be followed.
8. Wash any clothing that has been in contact with the dead bird using ordinary washing detergent at the temperature normally used for washing the clothing.
9. Thoroughly clean any contaminated indoor surfaces with normal household cleaner.
The Government are advising there is no reason to be concerned about public health. Avian Influenza is a disease of birds and whilst it can pass very rarely and with difficulty to humans this requires extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces. Advice from the Food Standards Agency remains that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
The Council’s Environmental Health & Trading Standards division is responsible for animal welfare issues and is working closely with other Council departments to ensure that any dead birds found in parks and open spaces are dealt with and reported.
If residents want advice on Avian Influenza or have any concerns about their animals they can use the following contact details 020 8313 4210 (David Candeland, Environmental Health Technical Officer) or 020 8313 4830 (Environmental Health Helpdesk) or email licensing@bromley.gov.uk
ENDS
Notes for editors:
- The London Borough of Bromley is continually being advised and updated of the situation by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and our own Veterinary Specialists, the Corporation of London.
- DEFRA are the main Government Body that would deal with any outbreak of the disease and Contingency Plans are in place to try and contain the spread of the virus.
- For more information contact:
DEFRA Helpline: 08459 33 55 77 or www.defra.gov.uk
- Other useful websites:
Health & Safety Executive: www.hse.gov.uk
Department of Health: www.dh.gov.uk
- For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor, on 020 8461 7670 or Paul Lehane, Licensing Team Leader on 020 8313 4216 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk