01 March 2017
The risk of an outbreak of avian influenza (also known as avian flu or bird flu) remains low but uncertain, and the States Veterinary Officer is advising no change to the current measures in place.
As in low risk areas in England, the recommendation to minimise contact between domestic poultry and wild birds, remains in place. Where possible, domestic chickens, ducks, geese, etc., should be kept indoors or in a netted area. Housing is not compulsory, recognising it is not always possible to do this adequately.
It’s still the case that poultry gatherings, such as bird shows, are not advised, and all poultry importations still need an individual licence, with certain conditions set out for each licence.
These measures will remain in place at least until 30 April 2017 (unless changes to control policy are justified before that date).
To help detect the virus if it should come to Jersey, members of the public are asked to report any dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead birds such as gulls or birds of prey to the States Veterinary office at Howard Davis Farm or email rva@gov.je.
The States Vet, Theo Knight-Jones will continue to monitor the situation and advise on any necessary measures.
Avian influenza (bird flu) is a disease of birds. The H5N8 strain of the disease has been found in wild and farmed birds in the UK. A number of measures are in place to reduce the risk of the disease spreading. The risk to public health is very low and there is no food safety risk for UK consumers.
You can call the States Veterinary office at Howard Davis Farm on +44 (0) 1534 441600.
Email the States Veterinary office
How to reduce contact between domestic poultry and wild birds on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) website
How to keep your birds safe from bird flu on the GOV.UK website
Avian influenza (bird flu) guidance on the GOV.UK website
gov.je