Council steps in with response to avian flu outbreak at Nafferton farm

Ducks on a farm in Nafferton, East Yorkshire, where measures to prevent the spread of bird flu are under way after the first serious case in the UK for six years.

Environmental health and food standards officers from the authority will be visiting local communities and neighbouring businesses to provide advice and guidance on instruction of officials from Defra.

To effectively manage the response, a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been established around the farm to ensure all poultry are kept indoors and not transferred in or out of the restriction zones and that high levels of housekeeping practices and disinfection are maintained.

The council will be erecting signage to inform pedestrians, motorists and the travelling public.

Paul Bellotti, head of housing, transportation and public protection at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The council is aware of a confirmed case of avian flu at a duck breeding farm, in the Nafferton area, and is supporting the operations of a number of agencies, including Defra.

“A co-ordinated and robust response is being undertaken and the council has been advised that the risk to public health is very low.

“The council would like to reassure residents that poultry and eggs are safe to purchase and eat, subject to normal food preparation, and that motorists and the travelling public should continue to use any and all routes on the highways network, unless they are advised otherwise. Unless specifically closed, public footpaths remain open.

“The council will continue to keep residents updated via the authority’s website www.eastriding.gov.uk and through local media.”

Further information on how to spot and report suspected cases of avian flu is available on the Defra website www.gov.uk/avian-influenza-bird-flu or by calling the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77.

Those keeping small flocks of poultry, fewer than 50 birds, are also being encouraged to register their animals by calling the Poultry Register Helpline on 0800 634 1112.

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