Banham Zoo increases protection as avian flu continues its march
Banham Zoo has explained the preventative action it has taken to protect its birds from avian influenza as the government declared a prevention zone across the whole of Great Britain because of rising bird flu cases.
Norfolk and Suffolk already saw mandatory housing measures put in place, before the Government’s announcement on Monday.
The country is now facing its biggest ever outbreak with more than 190 confirmed cases. Numbers are still rising rapidly both among wild birds and on commercial premises.
At Banham Zoological Gardens, run by the Zoological Society of East Anglia, a statement was released on what it has done.
A spokesperson said: “The zoo has taken immediate preventative action to keep the birds safe from this highly infectious disease and bird walk-through areas have been closed to visitors including Penguin Cove.The amazing Birds of the World Display will also not be held until further notice.
“We are taking further preventative action to protect our birds, including foot mats in and around the bird enclosures, and keeping our birds in covered areas.
“These measures will remain in place until Government risk assessments show that the surveillance and prevention zones have been effective in reducing the risk, however this is sadly no longer a one-off occurrence and has become an ongoing situation.
“As a charity, we are definitely working in a very challenging environment with not only the recent outbreak of Avian Influenza but also the further threats we face from the cost-of-living crisis and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are working hard to continue to put our animals at the forefront of everything we do to ensure that they remain safe during these difficult times.”
With winter migration also likely to drive numbers up further in the UK, the decision was made by the Government for the need for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures by law to help protect flocks.
This will include keeping free range birds within fenced areas, minimising movement and contact around enclosures and fencing off standing water such as ponds.
Keepers with more than 500 birds will need to restrict access for non-essential people on their sites, workers will need to change clothes and footwear before entering bird enclosures and vehicles will need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Backyard owners of poultry must also take important steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals as well.
In a joint statement, the Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland and Wales said: “Scrupulous biosecurity and hygiene measures is the best form of defence.
“Bird keepers have faced the largest ever outbreak of avian flu this year and with winter brings an even more increased risk to flocks.
“The introduction of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone across Great Britain means regardless of whether you keep a few birds or thousands, you are legally required to meet enhanced biosecurity requirements to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”
