[Eve]

If the owners are fined/imprisoned, what message does that send to other poultry keepers who suspect their birds may be infected? 
Probably,
"keep schtum."!

No, these people let theirs free range despite the ban so the message a fine would convey is "comply with the order and keep the birds in!"


But it has to be recognised that Defra's communication about the ban has been appallingly bad. All local papers etc should be spreading the word, local police should inform any owners of birds they see free ranging, and fine them if they defy the ban again. It's been going on for long enough, now, no more excuses. After all, if your neighbour takes the risk that could spell death for your birds!

[ColinS]

Anyone heard anything of this?

It's in the list here:-
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/581937/ai-findings-1617.csv/preview

[ColinS]

"comply with the order and keep the birds in!"

But, as I have pointed out, that is not what the order says.

[in the hills]

Thanks ColinS.

[Eve]

"comply with the order and keep the birds in!"

But, as I have pointed out, that is not what the order says.

That doesn't mean that everyone has done as much as they can. A quick read on forums etc still reveals plenty of people who can't be bothered to comply and do the basics, not because they can't but because they don't feel like it.
It's easy to establish if they genuinely can't keep their birds in, and where they simply don't bother they should not be allowed to get away with it. They put others at risk.
End of rant... 



More news on the swans:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/09/bird-flu-outbreak-avian-influenza-h5n8-virus-abbotsbury-swannery-dorset
Wish Defra would organise a Q&A session for the public with someone who actually specialises in this disease.

[angie]

I agree with you Eve, it's arrogant,lazy and unfair on others.

Some people only now complying with mention of fine.

But defra have not helped with mixed messages, lack of info and very slow updates.

Case in Devon now

[ColinS]

Wish Defra would organise a Q&A session for the public with someone who actually specialises in this disease.

As I pointed out with an example in post#399 on this thread the experts don't even seem to be able to agree with themselves never mind each other.

Of course only an old cynic would suggest DEFRA's declaration of the Prevention Zone was motivated as much by finance as spread prevention but it is interesting to see "You may be entitled to compensation if your poultry are killed under orders from government or APHA in the event of a disease outbreak. Owners are not entitled to compensation following the declaration of the Prevention Zone."
See:-
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu

[Daisys Mum]

Has anyone watched this?
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbBp1AsGJHM


No suggestion of covering runs with tarpaulins etc!

[angie]

Has anyone watched this?
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbBp1AsGJHM


No suggestion of covering runs with tarpaulins etc!

Yep,usual government wishy washy crud. Love the free from dirt, on a small holding would be a miracle.
No wonder people don't know what to do.
Being cynical first order issued after most of the turkeys were culled for Christmas

[Herdygirl]

As various stains of the avian flu virus have been around for years I am beginning to think that maybe they should be allowed to take their course.  As we are seeing amongst the wild bird population there aren't a great deal of deaths (those bodies that have been found)  wouldn't it be better if we allowed our domestic birds the chance to build up some immunity?

[Hevxxx99]

My thought exactly.  Often these viruses become less troublesome if they do run their course.

[Fleecewife]

As various stains of the avian flu virus have been around for years I am beginning to think that maybe they should be allowed to take their course.  As we are seeing amongst the wild bird population there aren't a great deal of deaths (those bodies that have been found)  wouldn't it be better if we allowed our domestic birds the chance to build up some immunity?

Apparently the influenza virus follows a pattern.  For one or two years it will kill a lot of birds or people, then it becomes decreasingly virulent over a few years.  The next severe strain to emerge will be mutated, so resistance built up to one strain will not give resistance to new ones.

[ColinS]

Here is a fascinating article about human flu immunity and the previous strains of flu one has been exposed to - interesting cross-linking of the different H numbers:-
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276060.php

[Marches Farmer]

We mostly breed rare breed L/F for conservation purposes.  Some of our birds are the fifth generation of a highly selective breeding programme to maintain high health, longevity and robustness.  Last year we appeared to have been the most successful breeder of Narragansett turkeys in the country. We therefore have the strongest possible objection to people who take a can't-be-bothered attitude, because they're taking a risk with our flock too.

[ColinS]

I would like an explanation of why DEFRA are so little interested in the “other species” as in :- “... if ... the general public find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, they should report them ”

Well,  all 15 million blackbirds in the UK could die over the course of a week and I doubt you would find 5 or more dead in “one location”. So do DEFRA know (or have good reason to believe) that such species are not prone to the virus or do thay not want the expense of checking on loads of dead dickies sent in by Joe Public, or what???