Protection zone set-up after Avian Flu outbreak in Gateshead

A positive case of Avian Flu has been detected in Gateshead.

Gateshead Council confirmed today that the presence of the flu had been found in a small number of birds at a private premises in the Rowlands Gill area of Gateshead.

A three-kilometre protection zone has been been put in place to contain the outbreak.

Although, highly infectious in birds, Avian Flu poses an extremely low risk to humans.

Within the protection zone, which includes farms, allotments, smallholdings and domestic premises, restrictions on the keeping and movement of poultry and caged birds is in place to stop the spread of disease.

An interactive map on the Gov.uk shows the restricted zone so residents can check if it encompasses then.

Anyone in the zone with poultry or captive birds has been asked to register them with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

As a number of outbreaks have recently been identified across the UK, all bird owners are being asked to register with APHA to ensure the safety of their flocks.

Earlier this year, Ouseburn Farm was forced to close after an Avian Flue outbreak.

The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that the risk to public health is very low, and the Food Standards Agency has said that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.

Further information about signs and symptoms of bird flu and how it can be transmitted can be found on the NHS website.