Newcastle and Gateshead residents receive letters…

Newcastle and Gateshead residents receive letters warning of nearby bird flu outbreak

Letters warning residents of a nearby avian flu outbreak have been sent to residents across the North East.

The letters from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) inform recipients that "you have received this letter because your property is in, or very close to a declared AI protection or surveillance zone."

It comes as DEFRA confirms there have been 83 cases of avian flu in England, including cases in Blaydon, Gateshead, and Byker, Newcastle.

And as a result a 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around both areas.

In January, Ouseburn Farm, in Byker, closed to the public after the disease was detected at the farm following tests on a number of birds after staff flagged concerns about the health of the flock.

All 50 of the farm's birds, which included chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese sadly died as a result of the outbreak.

In the weeks that followed, a further outbreak was reported at a private premises in Gateshead, with a 3km protection zone implemented around the Rowland Gill area.

Avian flu, also known as bird flu, is fatal and highly contagious for birds and as a result of the disease, mandatory measures have been in force across the UK since November 29, 2021.

Since that date it has been a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread and eradicate the disease.

However, the letters being sent to residents in the region are instructing people to take further measures to limit the spread. Residents are being instructed to "take action" if they keep poultry such as chickens, ducks or geese, game birds, pigeons, or other birds.

The letters from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) inform recipients that "you have received this letter because your property is in, or very close to a declared AI protection or surveillance zone." (Newcastle Chronicle)

The letter signed by UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, asks residents to register any birds by filling out an attached form and sending it via email to surveillance@apha.gov.uk or phone by calling 03300416589.

It also asks residents to report illness or deaths of birds to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 03000200301 if they suspect avian influenza.

Avian flu presents a low risk to human health and it is rare for humans to contract the disease, although it can be spread to humans by close and prolonged contact with infected birds.

Symptoms are the same as seasonal flu but there is a risk that an infected person can develop complications, such as pneumonia, which can be fatal.

These are the areas in the North East where residents have reported receiving letters regarding a nearby outbreak:

Newcastle upon Tyne

Byker

Fenham

Gosforth

Lemington

Little Benton

Slatyford

Walker

West Denton

North Tyneside