Guernsey introduces new rules to prevent avian flu outbreak
Poultry owners in Guernsey have been ordered to register their animals and implement new 'biosecurity measures' to prevent spread of disease between farms.
The legal requirement has been introduced to prevent outbreaks of avian flu in the Bailiwick.
The UK is currently dealing with its 'largest ever' bird flu outbreak - with poultry in the Channel Islands at risk from migratory wild birds, such as waterfowl.
The States says animals need to be registered so they can be monitored and owners issued with the latest guidance as and when necessary.
A spokesperson said: "Avian influenza is a viral infection of domestic poultry and other wild birds, such as migrating waterfowl. Poultry includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeon (bred for meat), partridge, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants."
"The Order is due to lapse on 1 January 2023, but may be revoked earlier if risk of local infection subsides."
The risk to human health from avian flu remains very low, despite an increasing number of cases around the world.
The GSPCA is also warning poultry owners in the Bailiwick to stay alert to any potential outbreaks.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “The GSPCA has been highlighting cases of bird flu since November last year and promoting how important that we all take extra precautions in the Channel Islands to ensure our pet and farm birds are as safe as possible from bird flu.”
"We all are fully aware of the importance of bio-security due to the challenges we all face with Covid-19 and especially here at the GSPCA where we have to care for animals that can arrive with zoonotic diseases."
“With this Order there is now a legal requirement for all poultry keepers to register their poultry with the States Veterinary Officers as well as a number of important actions from not holding bird shows to heighten your biosecurity if you keep birds.”
“We will of course update our website with any further alerts and the links we have online take your to the latest information available.”