Merseyside Bird Flu Threat – what you should do to stay safe
A case of avian flu has officially been confirmed in Merseyside, intensifying fears as the H5N1 strain continues to spread across the UK. This alarming development comes shortly after a nationwide precautionary measure was implemented to combat the escalating crisis.
On Sunday night, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed a new outbreak in Bromborough, Wirral, with two additional cases of the highly contagious H5N1 strain identified. While the infected site is located in England, part of the surveillance zone extends into Flintshire, Wales. A second case has been reported near Bodmin, North Cornwall. In response to these findings, protective measures have been swiftly put into place, including 3km protection zones and 10km surveillance zones around the affected areas.
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer had already taken precautionary action, enforcing a nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) from January 25, following an alarming rise in cases among wild birds. This new regulation mandates stricter biosecurity protocols across the entire country, including a regional AIPZ covering certain high-risk areas: North Yorkshire, York, parts of Shropshire, the East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk.
what you should do to stay safe
In these regions, all bird owners—whether they have pet birds, small backyard flocks, or large commercial operations—are now required to keep their birds housed to reduce the risk of infection. Along with the housing requirement, bird keepers are urged to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to biosecurity guidelines to help stem the spread of the virus.
The situation remains critical as authorities work to contain the virus, urging all bird keepers to follow any additional protection or surveillance zone rules in their local areas. The heightened vigilance and preventive measures are essential to safeguarding domestic and wild bird populations from further outbreaks.