Once again the spectre of Avian Influenza is with us as an outbreak of the potentially human pathogenic strain H5N1 of avian influenza has been reported at a turkey farm. 

This was always a possibility as the migration of birds begins again, and waterfowl (the prime carriers of this disease) start to return from wintering areas to their more northerly breeding grounds.

However, the problem is well-contained: all turkeys & other bird at this establishment have been destroyed, and none have left the area where the outbreak occurred.  The risk to HUMANS at this stage is minimal, apart from those working in close contact with the birds; while the risk to your pet or aviary birds is also negligible. 

Indoor caged birds are in any case never going to be at risk.  Outdoor aviary collections should be safe provided they are not close to ponds or lakes where waterfowl gather.  Sensible precautions are outlined in my earlier article on biosecurity and measures taken last year to control movement and importation of birds, which are still in place, should considerably reduce the risk of any spread of the disease. 

We will try to keep on top of the news, and update this information when necessary.  You are also able to obtain additional advice from the Government Veterinary website at www.defra.gov.uk or telephone 08459 335577. 

Meanwhile, may we suggest that you remain calm and try to avoid the hysteria created by the media attention last year.  Remember human deaths from this virus that were reported occurred in people living in close proximity to infected poultry.  These birds were kept in less than ideal, unsanitary conditions.

The general public and those of us keeping birds as pets are NOT going to die from bird flu.  Keeping a pet budgerigar, finch or parrot indoors poses no risk, neither should your neighbours be worried if you keep an aviary full of parakeets in your garden but please, can we all be more vigilant, it makes sense for all of us to keep our birds in the best conditions possible and not add to to the current problem by bad husbandry.

 Alan K Jones Nov 2007.