Following cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in wild birds in Dorset, the Secretary of State declared on 10 January 2008 a Wild Bird Control Area and a Wild Bird Monitoring Area around the place where disease was confirmed. The Wild Bird Control Area was revoked on 19 February, but following confirmation of H5N1 in a Canada goose, was reinstated on 29 February.
On 5 March, this Control Area was lifted and the Monitoring Area was reduced in size. As of 27 March, the Wild Bird Monitoring Area and associated disease control restrictions put in place following cases of H5N1 Avian Influenza in wild birds in Dorset have been lifted.
It is vital that all bird keepers in the UK continue to practice the highest levels of biosecurity and be vigilant for any signs of disease. If you are concerned about the health of your birds you should seek advice from your veterinary surgeon. If you suspect that your birds have avian influenza, you should report it to your local Animal Health Office immediately.
BASC advises that anyone who keeps birds and who are not already registered on the Great Britain poultry register should do so - more information on the register can be found by clicking here.
Particular care should also be taken with biosecurity - more information can be found by clicking here. BASC urges members to report any abnormal behaviour or die-offs of wild birds particularly wildfowl, gulls and starlings to the Defra helpline - 08459 33 55 77.
BASC members can also call the BASC avian flu hotline on 01244 573056.
A guide on how to report "die-offs" of wild birds to the Defra helpline.
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