Disease

Avian influenza (bird flu)

Avian Influenza – “Stop The Spread” Defra Webinars

Due to the current avian influenza (‘Bird Flu’) outbreak, maintaining effective biosecurity has never been more critical.

Find out what you can do to keep your birds free of the disease by registering for one of the Defra webinars.

These events will be hosted by leading Defra epidemiologists and veterinary professionals and are taking place on:

  • 20 December 2021, 12 - 1pm
  • 20 December 2021, 5 - 6pm
  • 21 December 2021, 12 - 1pm
  • 21 December 2021, 5 - 6pm

You can sign up to them on the defra website

UPDATE: 29 November 2021

The new housing measures, come into force on Monday 29 November, mean that it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease. 

Read more on the Welsh Government website

11 December 2020  - Avian Flu Wild birds

Wild geese and swans in Newport have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza HPAI H5N5

Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.

If you find dead or visibly sick wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them Via the DEFRA Helpline 03459 335577. 


 

Due to increased findings of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry in England and in wild birds across Great Britain new measures have been put in place in Wales to help protect poultry and other captive birds from avian influenza.

From 14 December all bird keepers must keep their birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of disease. Find out more here.

All keepers are required by law to take a range of biosecurity precautions. Read the Welsh Government biosecurity guidance to ensure you meet requirements.

Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of bird flu in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 0300 303 8268.

Legionnaires’ disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anybody, but more usually those who are susceptible because of age, illness, weakened immune system, smoking etc.

Employers and those with responsibility for the control of premises, including landlords, have duties to control the risk of legionella.

The duty applies to premises controlled in connection with a trade, business or other undertaking where water is stored or used, and where there is a means of creating and transmitting breathable water droplets (aerosols), causing a reasonably foreseeable risk of exposure to legionella bacteria.

Read more on the Legionella section of the HSE website.

Micro-organisms are subject to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).

A duty is placed on employers to carry out an assessment and to prevent, or adequately control, exposure to risks of legionella under these regulations.

Read more on the COSHH section of the HSE website.

Cooling towers and evaporative condensers

Under the Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers Regulations 1992, employers must notify their local authority if they have any cooling towers or evaporative condensers (except when they contain water that is not exposed to the air and the water and electricity supply are not connected).

To request a registration form or to notify us of any changes to your system contact us via [email protected] or call 01633 656656.

Contact

For further information use the online contact form, email [email protected] or call (01633) 656656.