Isle of Wight owners are being told to protect their birds after a case of bird flu was confirmed in a dead wild bird on the Isle of Wight.

Islanders are also being urged to be vigilant around domestic and wild birds.

Scroll down for what to do if you see a sick bird...

This is the first confirmed case of the disease being carried by a wild bird on the Island since December 2020, when a wild swan died in Ryde.

Islanders who keep chickens, ducks and geese are now legally obliged to follow the requirements, which are designed toi keep domestic birds from coming into contact with wild birds.

What should I do if I find a dead or sick wild bird on the Isle of Wight?

If you find a dead or sickly wild bird, do not touch it.

Do not let pets touch it either, says the Isle of Wight Council.

Contact the DEFRA helpline (03459 33 55 77).

A Nationwide Prevention Zone in November 2021 was declared in November.

It means anyone who keeps poultry must:

• House or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds;

• Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources;

• Feed and water birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds;

• Minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures;

• Clean and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy;

• Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas.

What has the Isle of Wight Council said about the Island's latest bird flu case?

The Isle of Wight Council has contacted owners with larger flocks, but the rules apply to everybody, even those with only have a few birds.

Anybody who keeps poultry, including chickens, ducks and geese, should check the government website for updates and full information on the rules.

An Isle of Wight Council spokesman said: "Bird owners so far have mostly been careful and thorough in following the requirements for feeding arrangements and biosecurity.

"But now the disease has been confirmed here on our Island it is vital that we continue protecting the welfare of both captive and wild birds.

"It's important for everyone to be aware of this risk, because anybody could come across a dead wild bird.

"Avian influenza spreads from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces.

"The disease can also be spread by contaminated feed and water or by dirty vehicles, clothing and footwear.

"It's important to try to discourage wild birds from coming into contact with any domestic birds - to protect both of them.

"There is more good advice available on the government website, along with the latest news on the disease."

Does bird flu pose a danger to humans?

The UK Health Security Agency advises that the risk to public health from the virus is very low.

The Food Standards Agency advises that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.

Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are still safe to eat.

More news from the Isle of Wight County Press HERE 

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