This year the threat of Bird Flu has been in the news and this has led to widespread reporting of wild bird deaths to DEFRA for fear that an individual's demise might be a sinister sign.

There is a small risk that birds returning to the UK from winter migration could bring Bird Flu with them and DEFRA is anxious to detect any infection as soon as it occurs. The public can play a part in disease surveillance by reporting suspect cases but it is important to know what makes a case potentially significant. Do not touch any birds that are found in the wild or attempt to move them. Readers may be interested in the criteria set down by DEFRA:

• 3 or more birds of the same species that are sick or have died in the same area.
• 5 or more wild birds of mixed species in the same area.
• 1 or more wild fowl (duck, goose or swan).
• Suspect cases should be reported to DEFRA on 0845 335577.

Owners of pet or domestic birds should report any unexplained illnesses, in the first instance, to their own vet.

There have been reports of cats on the continent contracting Bird Flu after eating infected birds but there has never been a recorded case of a cat passing it on to a person. Should the worst happen and wild birds are infected in the locality then cat owners will be advised to keep their charges indoors until the all clear is given.

A lot more information is available on the DEFRA website:

HOW YOU CAN HELP

On 9 December 2005,the Government launched the Great Britain Poultry Register as a measure to boost DEFRA's ability to control any outbreak of avian influenza. Over 22,000 poultry premises have now registered. This information has proved to be essential in supporting DEFRA's communications with the poultry industry, particularly in the light of the discovery of a H5N1 infected Whooper swan in Cellardyke, Scotland at the beginning of April.

Anyone who keeps 50 or more birds, at any one time, may be legally required to registered their flock and should contact DEFRA immediately. Keepers with less than 50 birds are also encouraged to register voluntarily. Birds to be registered include poultry, game birds and certain other bird species.

How to register
Phone
Call DEFRA on freephone 0800 634 1112. Trained advisers will complete the form with you over the phone. Phone lines will be open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday.
Post
Call freephone 0800 634 1112 to request a form and return the completed form in the postage paid envelope to Poultry Register, Curwen Road, Workington, Cumbria CA95 1SS. Or download and print the form at www.defra.gov.uk. Just click on "GB Poultry Register" in Quick Links.
Web
Download an electronic form from www.defra.gov. uk - you'll find it under "GB Poultry Register" in Quick LInks. Complete and return it to the email address provided.

DEFRA have produced a leaflet "Preparing for Avian Influenza - Separating domestic birds from wild birds" which is available from DEFRA or from our Lyndhurst surgery, 023 8028 2358.