Ouseburn Farm has been forced to close its doors until further notice after recent tests showed traces of Avian Flu.
The tests were done on a small number of dead and diseased bird after staff flagged concerns about the health of the flock.
The results of those tests, conducted by an agency of DEFRA (the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), confirmed the presence of the disease at the much-loved urban farm.
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As a precautionary measure, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will now implement a three-kilometre exclusion zone for farms, allotments and smallholdings, and public urban farms will be closed.
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone came into force across the country last November however the farm's proximity to the Ouseburn River is thought to have contributed to the outbreak of the disease.
The UK Health Security Agency has reassured the public that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.
However, members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and report any dead wild birds, such as swans, ducks, geese, and seagulls, to the Government’s helplines. Any dead or visibly sick birds that are found should not be touched or picked up.
An Ouseburn Farm spokesman said: "With sadness, we must share with you today (Tuesday 25th January) the news that our birds have been infected with avian flu and that Ouseburn Farm will therefore be closed until further notice.
"This was confirmed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) who visited the farm on Sunday to perform tests after staff became concerned about the health of the flock.
"An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone came into force across the country in November last year and there have been 70 cases so far around the country. Ouseburn Farm followed precautions to protect our flock, keeping our birds indoors and following strict biosecurity measures.
"Unfortunately, no measures offer 100% protection and our location next to the Ouseburn River presented an increased risk, with the movement of wild birds and mammals that carry the disease, the suspected source of infection.
"We are now working closely with DEFRA to follow government advice for infected premises, and will open again to you all as soon as we can.
"The UK Health Security Agency has reassured the public that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low. Similarly, the Food Standards Agency has said avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. If you’d like more information, please visit the NHS and FSA websites.
"For more information on how avian flu affects birds and advice for those who keep them, please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu.
"If you have visited the farm recently and keep birds at home, then we strongly recommend you read this information and contact DEFRA with any questions or queries. Defra Rural Services Helpline can be reached on 03000 200 301 and you must ring this number if you suspect any birds may have the disease. Ouseburn Farm's case will be recorded on DEFRA’s website shortly, alongside specific guidance for anyone who keeps birds within the area.
'Thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate through this difficult time."
A Newcastle City Council spokesman said: "The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), within the Department of for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), has carried out tests to determine the presence of Avian Flu in a small number of dead and diseased birds at Ouseburn Farm.
"As a result, APHA will now implement a three-kilometre exclusion zone for farms, allotments and smallholdings, and public urban farms will be closed as a precautionary measure.
"Within the exclusion zone, restrictions on the keeping and movement of poultry and associated materials are put in place to prevent the spread of the disease.
"The APHA will also be responsible for the culling of any other birds found to be infected."
Christine Herriot, Newcastle City Council Director of Operations and Regulatory Services, said: “The first thing to stress is that the presence of Avian Flu poses an extremely small risk to humans, but of course these measures have to be implemented to prevent a wider outbreak.
“We are working closely with APHA to manage the situation, using the standard required response where Avian Flu is detected.
“We would ask members of the public to remain vigilant and report dead wild birds, such as swans, ducks, geese, and seagulls, to the Government’s helplines, keep your distance and avoid touching dead animals if you do find them.
"Our officers will work closely with APHA to control this outbreak and liaise with residents and businesses in the area."
'Suspected cases of Avian Flu in poultry or captive birds must be reported immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
"If dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey are found, they should be reported to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77). Any dead or visibly sick birds that are found should not be touched or picked up."
Back in December, a precautionary exclusion zone was also implemented in Washington following an outbreak of bird flu across Wearside. Bird-hosting venues within the area were similarly forced to close to prevent the spread of the avian influenza amongst birds.
In Sunderland, a number of dead birds were found at a popular park sparking fears they may have also developed bird flu.
