[ColinS]

When you think about it, even the prescribed measures aren't actually all that good.

Some more detailed info on biosecurity would help. One gem I picked up from a medic is that paddling our muddy wellies in a tray of disinfectant is likely to be as much use as a chocolate fire-guard. Apparently organic matter and soil etc are really effective at neutralising disinfectants so unless you pressure-wash the wellies spotless first you could still be tramping the virus straight into your barn.

[ColinS]

No point in creating factions - one where everyone is blaming poultry keepers, and the other where everyone is blaming wild birds.  This is far too important for us all not to work together to prevent H5N8 arriving here, if we possibly can

I entirely agree. Unfortunately, I feel that the all-too-apparent contrasts between the DEFRA and RSPB statements suggests there already exist some seriously entrenched positions within these two organisations.

[Fleecewife]

No point in creating factions - one where everyone is blaming poultry keepers, and the other where everyone is blaming wild birds.  This is far too important for us all not to work together to prevent H5N8 arriving here, if we possibly can

I entirely agree. Unfortunately, I feel that the all-too-apparent contrasts between the DEFRA and RSPB statements suggests there already exist some seriously entrenched positions within these two organisations.

Yep!

[Marches Farmer]

The LPG tanker driver was somewhat startled when I sprang out at him and asked if he'd delivered to any poultry farms recently .....

[Jukes Mum]

http://www.fwi.co.uk/poultry/breaking-news-suspected-bird-flu-outbreak-on-uk-turkey-farm.htm
 

[Eve]

Oh no no no!!! 

[Jukes Mum]

https://www.farminguk.com/News/Suspected-bird-flu-found-on-farm-in-Lincolnshire_45126.html

[ColinS]

http://www.964eagle.co.uk/news/uk-news/2178584/bird-flu-confirmed-in-turkeys-at-lincolnshire-farm/
 

[Celli]

Says there was a confirmed case of bird flu in Dunfermline in January this year, why wasn't there anything in the news about it then ?.

[lord flynn]

its about managing risk-everyone is aware that you can't keep birds in completely sterile conditions but one sparrow getting into your run is preferable to flocks of starlings eating the corn you've just thrown out for your hens.


my geese are in a covered run outside, they've settled well now and are eating well etc.


I'd have thought that on a smallholding forum, people would be well versed in basic biosecurity tbh and this is all this is at the moment. that's not a dig, I am just surprised.

[lord flynn]

Says there was a confirmed case of bird flu in Dunfermline in January this year, why wasn't there anything in the news about it then ?.

there was but it was also low pathogenicity-so it wasn't killing birds. this has just killed a whole bunch of turkeys presumably before anyone really spotted anything was untoward.

[angie]

Was very surprised and concerned when I went to a local market and found that the weekly chicken/duck etc auction was still being held.
Why isn't there a ban in place concerning poultry sales especially auctions?

Surely allowing movement of birds is a disaster waiting to happen,or is defra going to shut the stable door when it's to late?

[Hevxxx99]

I'd have thought halting movements would have been the very first consideration. The virus is far more likely to be spread that way than by random wild birds defecating in your water bowl.

[pgkevet]

My cynical nature assumes this is just a tick-box exercise to say something was done. If it's so easily spead by wild birds then it'd take extreme measures to isolate a flock of hens from their keepers taking it into shed.. however well they are netted. You'ld need a change of clothes and boots, a ban on vehicles into the property unless sprayed down top/bottom and underneath and positive pressure filtered ventilation. For small holders with a few hens I doubt it makes much difference in the scheme of things - at worst their own flock dies unless they live next to a major producer. For all that i spent today netting the chicken run to show willing.. 40metres of 3metre wide cable-tied to the fencing. Hens are miserable being used to running around several acres. Next there'll be a shortage of wild birds 'cos they're not getting fed/leftovers.
Even netting wll provide little protection against a wild bird sneezing your way.

[big soft moose]

Even netting wll provide little protection against a wild bird sneezing your way.

Isn't it mainly spread (from wild birds) by faeces rather than coughing and sneezing - which is why waterfowl are particularly at risk from contaminated grazing/swimming.

That aside you have to wonder how the lincolnshire flock got infected if they were following the isolation guidance - lets hope it wasn't from buying in infected birds as that would be a big deal (as with the 2001 FMD outbreak)