Confirmed Avian Influenza outbreak in Cheshire East

Cheshire East Council is taking immediate measures to inform and advise local residents, partners and landowners about avian influenza outbreaks.

What to look out for following a confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in game birds on 16 October near Audlem.

As a result, a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone has been put in place around the outbreak.

The Protection Zones require foot patrols around local premises by animal health officers and non-movement of birds within or out of the zone. They do not restrict the movement of people.

Full details of measures, restrictions and activities for the area are available from: 

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) website.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that the risk to public health is very low and the Food Standards Agency has said that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers and it does not affect the consumption of poultry or eggs.

Bird keepers should remain alert for any signs of disease, report suspected disease immediately and ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises.

Residents are reminded to not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that they find. If they find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, they should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77).