Avian flu

[HenPen]

I bought some large, thick freezer bags and put those over my boots before I go into the run, then dispose of them afterward. Bit of a to-do getting them on as I put my feet into the run whilst not allowing the girls out, but they're not very brave so it's a case of so far so good.

Amber - same here. My neighbour over the road has a huge run with no roof and I have just noticed hers are still in that - well, it's not really a run so much as half the garden, and in all fairness would be extremely difficult to cover, but I was worrying about my girls if hers are infected (all properly covered over and in the run all the time here). Thanks for the reassurance LL.

Roll on the next nine days, and fingers firmly crossed they don't extend it.

[KathJ]

We've done everything we can to protect our girls and have covered the side of the run with a small mesh to stop the wild birds getting in and the top with clear plastic which the girls aren't keen on as it rattles in the wind. It is keeping their run drier though but not sure how long it will last. However, we were out over Christmas and saw a little girl pecking at the side of the road. When I looked closer she'd obviously escaped from a field near by where there were loads more pecking about quite happily in the open! Obviously their owner isn't bothered about any risks. Also, they were right next to a mere with loads of wild birds flying around

[lancashire lass]

Avian flu found in Carmarthenshire back yard chickens ....

[KarenE]

Very worrying. I wonder how it got to them, they give no details.

[bikesandbirdsbob]

defra extended dates to 28th Feb 17.
Bob

[KarenE]

Yes, sadly extended - you got there just before me Bob

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avia ... 16-to-2017

[HenPen]

Oh darn
That's a lot longer. They're not going to be pleased about this...

[KathJ]

Oh My Word

[albertajune]

Very worrying. I wonder how it got to them, they give no details.

Heard this morning that a nearby duck died with it. This new strain is not transferable to humans according to an expert on TV

[Trev62]

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-york ... re-3854160"

Seems it is popping up everywhere, hope no-one here is affected by this latest news.

[KarenE]

Looks like it's on the move. It was inevitable really.

I found this - apparently the Welsh flock were not housed, and were quite close to a wildlife park where a duck had already been found dead.
http://www.fwi.co.uk/poultry/backyard-f ... housed.htm

I picked up some Virkon today so I can make sure biosecurity is up to scratch. My girls seem to be coming with their captivity quite well.

Awful stories coming out of France about the culling of ducks and other flocks over there

[GoldBerry]

Got da Henz under cover since December. They weren't impressed at first, but they'd be even less impressed if they were culled. It won't kill them, so under they stay, with a tarp over the top. I'm going to move where I've been feeding the wild birds as well as their feed station is still out back. Needs to be in the front I think, to cut any possible contamination.

[Mo]

Now they've got it at Abbotsbury swannery https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/ ... ery-dorset

Last time round it stayed on the Continent more (and in intensive farms that imported birds from the Continent)

[bikesandbirdsbob]

Hi latest . Lancs out break 24/01/2017 . Amazing sick birds can fly so far in land and then spread the germs ./
Bob

[Gwenoakes]

19,500 strong turkey farm just up the road from us near Boston have the virus now. Apparently some have died and the rest will be humanely destroyed.