An avian flu Order has been declared for Somersham, with a 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone.

Sutton, Mepal, and Witcham all fall in the 10km surveillance zone.

In the 3km zone immediately around Somersham, all birds must be housed; poultry captive birds and mammals cannot be moved unless licensed (with an exception for pets with no risk of exposure to the disease); strict rules control the disposal of carcasses; litter, poultry manure and slurry can only be removed from a premises or spread under licence; there are extensive restrictions on movement of poultry, eggs, poultry meat and carcasses into, within and out of the zone; and requirements imposed of slaughterhouses receiving poultry from this zone. All bird gatherings and release of game birds are prohibited. Strict rules apply in terms of biosecurity and disinfecting.

In the 10km zone extending to Sutton, Mepal, and Witcham, lesser restrictions are in place. No housing is required (although note the forthcoming national housing order being introduced from Monday 7 November) but there is still a requirement to keep extensive records; movement restrictions are in place; strict biosecurity, cleansing and disinfection requirements apply; litter, poultry manure and slurry can only be removed from a premises or spread under licence, and all bird gatherings and release of game bird are prohibited.

The Order for Somersham and associated map can be accessed here.

An interactive map is also available which enables the user to enter their postcode to determine if their birds fall within the zone APHA Interactive Disease Map (arcgis.com)

Information is also available regarding the wider disease situation, guidance for bird keepers, guidance for the public, and health implications Avian influenza (bird flu) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)