A second outbreak of a highly contagious variant of avian flu has been confirmed in Northumberland.
The latest confirmed case of the virus has been found in a non-commercial flock in Wooler, where around 50 chickens, ducks, guinea fowl and geese are kept.
Officials have assured residents that the risk to human health remains low, but the public have been urged to follow strict rules to contain the spread of the outbreak.
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The deadly H5N1 variant of the virus can spread rapidly between both wild birds and commercial flocks - with devastating consequences.
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.
“Birdkeepers 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 sites so we are confident we are doing all we can to try and contain the virus.”
It is the second outbreak of the variant confirmed in the county in as many weeks, following an outbreak in a large flock on Holy Island last week.
Elsewhere, a number of birds had to be culled at Ouseburn Farm in Newcastle after an outbreak at the popular visitor attraction.
Northumberland County Council are reminding bird keepers across the county that their birds must be housed or netted to keep them separate from wild birds - whether or not they are poultry or captive birds.
If the public come across a dead wild bird, they are asked to report it to DEFRA on 03459 335577, selecting option 7. It is important 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.
To aid in the location of any dead or diseased birds, the use of location apps such as 'what3words' is advised.
The county council's public protection team is working closely with UKHSA - the UK Health Security Agency - and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to contain the outbreak.
A 3km captive bird monitoring control zone has been set up around the site in Wooler, which involves housing captive birds, enhanced record keeping of visitors, poultry and egg movements and a range of other criteria including strict bio-security.
In addition, a 10km surveillance zone has been put in place where all commercial and non-commercial flocks will be observed.
Council officers have also been knocking on the doors of local residents in order to make sure they are aware of the situation. Locals can take steps to reduce the spread of the virus, including walking dogs on leads, sticking to designated footpaths, and avoiding the area of the outbreak.
Birdkeepers should undertake regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment, clothing and vehicles to help stop the spread, while non-essential workers and visitors to the site should be limited.
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