17 August 2022
Samples taken from the birds which died suddenly at a farm in St Peter at the weekend have all proved positive for Highly Parthenogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu).
Veterinary officers and colleagues from IHE subsequently culled the remaining birds at the farm (18 birds) on Tuesday afternoon.
A protection zone of 3km radius has been declared around the farm, with all keepers within that area required to house birds or keep them isolated from other commercial, domestic, and wild birds from tonight. A map of the zone will be published as soon as possible on the avian influenza pages of gov.je. The remainder of the Island falls into a surveillance zone, where housing and separation is highly recommended, and a series of other restrictions also apply. These too will shortly be updated on the web page.
The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Jonathan Renouf, said: “I’m thankful to the farmer in St Peter for contacting the department so quickly at the weekend, and for their cooperation at what must be an incredibly difficult time for them.
“We need the support of keepers across the Island to help reduce the likelihood of bird flu spreading here. While the housing of birds will be mandatory for those within the protection zone, those in other parts of the Island are strongly recommended to house their birds too, if possible.
“There’s a real need to prevent wild bird faeces from entering housing or runs, and so it’s important for there to be a solid or impermeable roof overhead. Increased biosecurity measures will also play a key role in preventing the spread of bird flu, and owners should use disinfectant baths for their footwear at the entrance to flock units.”
The protection zone and surveillance zone legally apply from 00:01 on Thursday 18 August, but keepers are encouraged to take action immediately, if possible. To protect local flocks, plans are also in place to cull feral hens and cockerels living in the St Peter’s Valley area.
The UK Health Security Agency has said avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds, and advises that the risk to public health from bird flu is low.
gov.je