Keepers encouraged to house birds due to bird flu

04 March 2022

Jersey's Chief Veterinary Officer, Alistair Breed, is strongly urging birdkeepers to house their birds, following a further positive case of Avian Influenza (bird flu).

The death of a captive, red-breasted goose at Jersey Zoo was reported on 22 February, and the bird has since tested positive for bird flu.

Alistair Breed said: "Upon testing, the bird from the zoo was found to be positive for highly pathogenic Avian Influenza. Following on from this, we will shortly be introducing compulsory biosecurity measures relating to poultry and kept birds on the whole Island.

"Private bird keepers should do everything possible at this time to ensure their flocks avoid contact with wild birds. We are working closely with the zoo on control measures there to help protect their collection."

Graeme Dick, Director of Zoo Operations, said: "Our priority is to prevent further spread of bird flu at Jersey Zoo by following all guidance issued by the Chief Veterinary Officer. Our experienced team are well prepared to deal with scenarios like this and will do everything they can to keep our birds safe.

"We have closed our walk-through aviaries, but I would like to reassure our visitors that it is still safe to visit the zoo and we are monitoring the situation closely."

In February, two dead wild birds (buzzards) tested positive for bird flu in Jersey.

The UK Health Security Agency has said that Avian Influenza is primarily a disease of birds and advises that the risk to public health from bird flu is low. The public are advised not to handle unwell or dead wild birds.