A plea has been issued to the public to follow strict regulations to contain the spread of a highly pathogenic variant of avian flu at one of Northumberland's best-known tourist destinations.
A case of the H5N1 variant of the virus - a variant of concern - was confirmed at a poultry farm on Holy Island on Wednesday, and government regulations have been introduced to stop the spread.
The virus was found in a flock of 260 chickens, ducks, and geese.
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Northumberland County Council has stated the risk to public health is very low and the island and its businesses remain open for business.
However, the authority has said it is a "highly contagious" virus that can spread rapidly between wild birds and commercial flocks with devastating consequences.
Just last month the popular Ouseburn Farm in Newcastle lost all 50 of its birds following an outbreak, with those that had not been infected humanly culled to prevent further spread.
Elizabeth Morgan, Northumberland County Council’s Director of Public Health said: “Wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter months can carry the disease and where wild birds are allowed to mix with domestic poultry this can lead to the disease spreading to captive birds.
“Bird keepers should remain alert for any signs of disease, report suspected disease immediately and ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises.
“I’d like to reassure the public that this is a disease in birds. The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that the risk to human health is very low, and the Food Standards Agency has said that Avian flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and does not affect the consumption of poultry or eggs.
"Avian Influenza is in no way connected to the COVID-19 pandemic which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus which is not carried in poultry and is a completely different virus.
“We are working with the owners and have strict biosecurity measures in place around the site so we are confident we are doing all we can to try and contain the virus.”
It is a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to house or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds.
This applies to pet birds, commercial flocks or even just a few birds in a backyard flock.
Anyone who comes across a dead wild bird are asked to report it to DEFRA on 3459 335577 (select option 7) and not to touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds.
Symptoms of infected birds include swollen heads, a lack of coordination and gasping for air.
The council advise using location apps such as what3words for references to aid in the location for dead or diseased birds.
Northumberland County Council's public protection team is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (UKHSA) to contain the spread of the virus.
A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been put in place around the site, where all commercial and non-commercial flocks will be carefully observed.
Officers from the council's public protection team spent Thursday knocking on resident's doors to make them aware of the situation, offer reassurance and advise of measures that can be taken to reduce the spread of the virus.
These include walking dogs on leads and sticking to designated footpaths. Posters are also being put up to ensure visitors are aware of the situation and of the rules they need to follow.
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