A case of avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve several weeks after cases were found amongst chickens at Tibbs Farm in Udimore as reported in Rye News Bird flu at Udimore Farm
In order to avoid spreading the disease, the reserve has issued the following guidelines to visitors:
- Keep to the footpath.
- Protect your dog from becoming infected: keep them on a lead and away from wild birds.
- Don’t pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds.
- Don’t touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings.
- If you keep poultry or other birds, wash your hands, clean and disinfect your footwear before tending to them.
If you find any dead wild birds, please report it at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds or call 03459 33 55 77
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) says properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
