A PROTECTION zone banning bird movements has been set up after an outbreak of bird flu was detected at a poultry farm just north of Ross-on-Wye.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs imposed the 3km zone after the disease was discovered at a commercial farm at Foy on Tuesday (December 13).

Herefordshire Council said it has taken “immediate steps” to support government vets in limiting the spread of the disease.

A 10km surveillance zone has also been set up in a bid to halt the contagious disease.

The order says: “No person shall move poultry, other captive birds or mammals from or to premises in the (3km) zone where poultry or other captive birds are kept, unless the movement is licensed by a veterinary inspector or by an inspector under the direction of a veterinary inspector.”

It follows an outbreak of the disease on the eastern edge of Ross-on-Wye last January.

A council spokesperson said: “Immediate steps have been taken to limit the risk of the disease spreading, and council officers have contacted all the residents within the 3km protection zone to ensure compliance with the requirements of the protection zone, as per our animal health plan.”

Marc Willimont, Head of Public Protection at Herefordshire Council, said: “This is the first Avian Flu outbreak of the season and fortunately it is in a very rural area of Herefordshire, which helps us to prevent it spreading. We are currently taking measures to tackle this outbreak, and the most important thing is that keepers of poultry and captive birds continue to follow the guidance to keep birds inside and to be vigilant for any signs of disease.

“Members of the public have no reason to worry; the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the UK Food Standards Agency advises that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, remain safe to eat.”

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) is in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ).

Since October 1, there have been 132 cases in England, three in Wales, 11 in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland.

By law, people must follow strict biosecurity rules to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading. In England and Wales the AIPZ also means owners must house their birds to protect them from bird flu.

The national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone means that it is a legal requirement that bird keepers across the country must:

House or net all poultry and captive birds separate from wild birds

Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing

Reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control

Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing continuously.

Keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points

Minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds

Bird keepers should visit the gov.uk website for full details of the AIPZ and updated biosecurity guidance.

No one should touch or pick up any dead or sick birds they find.

If you find dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the DEFRA helpline on: 03459 33 55 77

Keepers should report any suspicion of disease to Animal and Plant Health Agency on: 03000 200 301.