Bird flu, Bluetongue & Foot and Mouth disease

• Bird flu.
• Bluetongue disease.
• Foot and Mouth disease.

Bird flu (avian influenza) is a disease of birds and whilst it can pass very rarely and with difficulty to humans, this requires extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces.

In 2007 the UK experienced its first outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza.

In November 2008 the UK became officially free from bird flu, according to the rules laid down by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

The Government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) advises poultry keepers to regularly review their biosecurity measures to ensure they meet best practice and remain vigilant for signs of disease. If you are concerned about the health of your birds you should seek advice from your veterinary surgeon.

If you suspect that your birds have bird flu, you must immediately notify the local Animal Health Office (new window) on 01284 778150 or call the Defra helpline on 08459 33 55 77.

• Bird Flu information from Defra (new window)
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• Defra helpline 08459 33 55 77
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• Email: helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Bluetongue disease is an insect-borne viral disease which affects all ruminants, such as cattle, goat, deer and, in particular, sheep. Bluetongue disease does not affect humans.

In September 2007, Defra confirmed that Bluetongue disease was circulating in East Anglia and officially classed it as an outbreak. Bluetongue was detected in 149 confirmed premises in England and Wales. The situation has remained static since the last confirmed case was detected in November 2008.

• Bluetongue disease information from Defra (new window)
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• Defra helpline 08459 33 55 77
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• Email: helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk

If you suspect signs of any notifiable disease, you must immediately notify the local Animal Health Office (new window) on 01284 778150 or call the Defra helpline on 08459 33 55 77.

Foot and mouth disease is an infectious disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, in particular cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, camelids and deer.

No cases of the disease have been discovered since September 2007. In December 2007 all movement restrictions relating to foot and mouth susceptible animals and trade within the EU were lifted.

• Foot and Mouth disease information from Defra (new window)

If you suspect signs of any notifiable disease, you must immediately notify the local Animal Health Office (new window) on 01284 778150 or call the Defra helpline on 08459 33 55 77.