MORE than 100 cases of bird flu have been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds in England since the end of last year.

There are currently no surveillance zones in place in the North East. There are five zones presently in force in England, with two in Shropshire, two in Nottinghamshire and one in Derbyshire.

There were 19 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 at premises in the North East and North Yorkshire between November and February.

Read more: Bird flu: More reports of dead birds on North East beaches

When the disease is discovered, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) puts in place a three kilometre protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone.

The last control zone was removed on April 20.

Here are all the control zones which have been in place in the North East:

  • Near Blaydon, Tyne and Wear

Revoked on April 20. It was put in place on February 23.

  • Near Byker, Newcastle

Revoked on April 14. It was put in place after avian flu was confirmed

  • Wooler, Northumberland

Revoked on April 7. It was put in place on February 14.

  • Near Holy Island, Northumberland

Revoked on April 2. It was put in place on February 9.

  • Near Whitby, North Yorkshire

Revoked on March 11. It was put in place on January 26

  • Near Washington, Tyne and Wear

Revoked on March 6. It was put in place on December 11

  • Nine premises near Thirsk, North Yorkshire

There were outbreaks of avian flu between November 21 and December 16

The first control zone was put in place on November 21 and the last lifted on March 5

  • Two premises near Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire

Avian flu was discovered at premises on November 14 and November 22. They were both revoked on March 5

  • Near Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham

A control zone was put in place on December 14. It was revoked on February 17.

  • Near Richmond, North Yorkshire

A control zone was put in place on December 3. It was revoked on February 6.

 

Defra says the risk of avian flu from wild birds has reduced, infection may still be present in the environment.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) remains in force across Great Britain.

This means all bird keepers, whether of pets or commercial flocks, must follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of disease.

It is no longer required to house birds – unless they are in a protection zone.

What measures do bird keepers still need to take?

  • cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
  • reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
  • thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
  • keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
  • minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds

In recent days concern has been growing about the impact avian flu is having on wild sea bird populations.

The RSPB says there has been an “unprecedented” outbreak in Scotland with thousands of birds killed by the disease.

Read more: Darlington homes cannot be built due to River Tees pollution

Increasing numbers of dead birds have been spotted on beaches in the North East, including in Northumberland, Seaton Carew and South Gare.

So far this year, it has been confirmed in about 20 wild birds in the region – though only a proportion of dead birds are tested by the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Teesside Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054