BIRD flu has been confirmed at a farm in St Peter where 18 birds died suddenly last weekend.
All the remaining birds on site have now been culled and a protection zone, with a 3km radius, has been set up by States veterinary officers.
All birds within the zone must be kept indoors or isolated from other commercial, domestic and wild birds from a minute past midnight tonight. The remainder of the Island now falls into a surveillance zone, where housing and separation of birds is highly recommended.
The Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf said: ‘I’m thankful to the farmer in St Peter for contacting the department so quickly at the weekend, and for their cooperation at what must be an incredibly difficult time for them. We need the support of keepers across the Island to help reduce the likelihood of bird flu spreading here.
‘There’s a real need to prevent wild bird faeces from entering housing or runs and it’s important for there to be a solid or impermeable roof overhead. Increased biosecurity measures will also play a key role in preventing the spread of bird flu and owners should use disinfectant baths for their footwear at the entrance to flock units.’
