Avian Influenza
Message from ERYC: The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed a case of Avian Influenza (bird flu) on premises in Bishop Burton, which impacts on our parish.
Avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds, and the UK Health Security Agency has said that the risk to the general public’s health is very low. The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat. There is a lot of further information on the Government's website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england
There is a well-established national contingency plan for dealing with avian influenza, which involves APHA humanely culling the affected poultry on the infected premise. There is no other culling of healthy birds involved, but there are some restrictions introduced on poultry and captive bird keepers in the control zone(s) declared around the infected premise.
Etton is within the 3k control zone, there is an interactive map on the DEFRA website which shows all Avian Influenza disease control zones currently in force.
The detailed declaration is also online, which covers all the requirements specifically for this zone, but in brief, for people that keep poultry / captive birds as a hobby and are in the 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone:
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There is a requirement to keep poultry and other captive birds “housed” in a structure
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Keep a record of all poultry or poultry eggs that enter or leave your premises, except eggs that are being moved direct to wholesale or retail premises to be sold
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Record and individuals visiting the premises where poultry or other captive birds are kept
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Ensure appropriate bio-security measures are in place.
The Council has a supporting role as part of the national plan, and we will be putting out some highways signs at the boundary of the 3km zone to let people know they are entering an area with animal disease restrictions. A number of posters have also been put up in the zone to inform keepers of poultry and captive birds who have not registered, which has been compulsory registration since 1st October 2024, they must do so now.
There is a lot of further information on the Government's website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england and our animal health team can be contacted on animal.health@eastriding.gov.uk.
It is likely that the restrictions will remain in place for at least the next 6-8 weeks
Parish Councillor Vacancy
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We would love to hear from you if you can give an hour or so each month. There is a short application form here to complete.
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East Riding Support Fund For Oil
On application, eligible households will receive an oil delivery (or the LPG alternative) and free membership to our Bulk Oil Buying Scheme for the first year (normally £20 per year).
The link below contains full details of the eligibility requirements for the scheme and the application form to apply:
https://www.hwrcc.org.uk/east-riding-household-fund-for-oil-customers/
Cost of Living Crisis
If you need financial support during the cost of living crisis, or you are struggling to manage, ERYC provide a range of services that might help, alongside government and community support https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help-for-households/