The Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in poultry at a premises in north Bexhill, and in captive birds at a premises near Guestling Green.

As of Tuesday 26th July 2022, the Avian Influenza Protection Zone around Bexhill has now ended. All restrictions have been lifted and keepers can begin to let their poultry roam.

AI – Revocation of Surveillance Zone – declaration

There have also been a number of reports of dead wild birds in and around our coast.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public is very low.

However, if you find any dead wild birds in any location, including swans, ducks, geese, gulls, or birds of prey, please report to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

DO NOT TOUCH OR PICK UP ANY DEAD OR VISIBLY SICK BIRDS THAT YOU FIND. KEEP DOGS ON A LEAD.

All birds exposed on the affected premises at Bexhill and Guestling have been or will be humanely culled. In the case of Bexhill, DEFRA set up a three-kilometre Protection Zone and a ten-Kilometre Surveillance Zone around the premises. In the case of Guestling, DEFRA has put in place a three-kilometre Controlled Zone.

The Zones have different rules but all are in place to reduce the risk of the spread of the disease.

For more information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#public

Rother District Council, East Sussex County Council and other local partners are working with DEFRA to contain further spread.

Published: 3rd August 2022