An outbreak of Avian Influenza has been confirmed at a premises near Ilkeston, Erewash, Derbyshire.

3km and 10km temporary control zone measures have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading. Derby City Council’s Trading Standards Officers are working closely with Emergency Planning colleagues to help contain and control the spread of the disease.

Derby City currently falls within the 10km surveillance zone. As such, road signs will be displayed warning the public of the affected areas.

Within the 3km and 10km zones, a range of controls are now in place to prevent the spread of disease. These include restrictions on the movement of poultry and other captive birds, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure.

It is a legal requirement that all keepers of birds in these zones must follow increased measures while the restrictions are in place.

Further details on the restrictions are available via the Government website.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is now in force across Great Britain to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds. This means most bird keepers across the country must:

  • Keep domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry;
  • Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources;
  • Feed and water their birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds;
  • Minimise movement into and out of bird enclosures;
  • Cleanse and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy;
  • Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas;
  • Keep free ranging birds within fenced areas, and ponds, watercourses and permanent standing water must be fenced off (except in specific circumstances, e.g. zoo birds).

Avian influenza (bird flu) is a notifiable animal disease. Anyone suspecting any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. Failure to do so is an offence.

If anyone finds dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, they should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77 - please select option 7).

Avian Influenza restrictions are regularly subject to change, for up to date information please visit the Government website.