She said her ‘thoughts go out to everyone impacted’
A local MP has urged bird keepers to follow DEFRA rules after there has been a confirmed case of avian influenza (bird flu) near Ely. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have established a 3km ‘protection zone’ and a 10km ‘surveillance zone’, within which rules have been introduced to prevent the further spread of the disease.
The zones’ rules are for bird keepers, those involved in bird gatherings, and those involved in the production or transportation of fresh meat and meat products. In the ‘protection zone’, virtually all captive birds must now be housed.
Charlotte Cane, MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire, said: “I am being kept informed on news of the recent avian flu outbreak near Ely. My thoughts go out to everyone impacted, and I want to thank all those in the farming community, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), and Cambridgeshire County Council who are working tirelessly to contain the outbreak.
“It is vital that all bird keepers – whether commercial or those with just a few hens in the garden – follow the rules now in place. An interactive map showing the control zones is available here. You can also find the Declaratory Order setting out the restrictions, guidance on symptoms and reporting, housing birds safely, and applying for movement licences.
“Please note that it is now a legal requirement to register all captive birds. If you haven’t already done so, visit [the government’s website] to register. This ensures APHA can keep you updated on Avian Influenza developments. You can also sign up for APHA’s animal disease text alert service.
“Cambridgeshire County Council is supporting DEFRA and APHA as part of the national contingency plan, with Trading Standards ensuring compliance with the rules. These measures protect livelihoods, valuable commercial bird stocks, and much-loved pets. With such a virulent strain, it is essential that everyone does their part.
“If you suspect bird flu, you must report it by law to APHA on 03000 200 301. Anyone with concerns about breaches should contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that Avian Influenza is primarily a disease of birds, and the risk to public health is very low. However, do not touch dead wild birds. Report them to DEFRA online here or call 03459 33 55 77.”
