Bird flu restrictions eased in Eden, government confirms

Bird flu restrictions in Cumbria have been eased following a 3km protection zone in place. Credit: PA Images

The government has confirmed that measures to limit the spread of avian flu in Eden have been scrapped.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) implemented a 3km monitoring zone which was brought in following cases of the virus being identified in the area.

Under the rules, owners of domestic birds were required to keep them housed to prevent any further spread.

However, an update on the Gov.uk website read: "Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance within the zone, the 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been revoked for a premises near Appleby-in-Westmorland, Eden, Cumbria."

Bird keepers are urged to keep an eye out for the symptoms of bird flu and report them as a matter of urgency.

Symptoms include:

  • Sudden death

  • Swollen head

  • Closed and runny eyes

  • Lethargy and depression

  • Lying down and unresponsiveness

  • Lack of coordination

  • Eating less than usual

  • Lethargy

  • Sudden increase or decrease in water consumption

  • Head and body shaking

  • Drooping of the wings

  • Dragging of legs

  • Twisting of the head and neck

  • Swelling and blue discolouration of comb and wattles

  • Haemorrhages and redness on shanks of the legs and under the skin of the neck

  • Breathing difficulties such as gaping (mouth breathing), nasal snicking (coughing sound), sneezing, gurgling or rattling

  • Fever or noticeable increase in body temperature

  • Discoloured or loose watery droppings

  • Stop or significant drop in egg production

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