The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed an avian flu outbreak in poultry at a premises near Blaydon.
As a result, the APHA will now implement measures, including a 10 km surveillance zone, which includes the Benwell, Scotswood, Newburn, Lemington and Elswick areas of Newcastle.
Anyone keeping birds or poultry in these areas must:
- keep a record of all poultry or eggs that enter or leave the premises
- not - without a licence - move poultry, other captive birds, or farm animals (except pets) to or from premises where birds are kept
- not spread poultry litter, manure or slurry, or remove them from premises
Councillor Hay, deputy leader of Newcastle City Council said: “These measures must be implemented to prevent a wider outbreak and we are working closely with the APHA to manage the situation.
“The presence of bird flu poses an extremely small risk to humans.”
Any dead or visibly sick birds that are found should not be touched or picked up.
Any 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).