AVIAN INFLUENZA (Bird Flu) Update
Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds will come into force in all areas of England from 00:01 on Monday 7 November, following a decision by the United Kingdom’s Chief Veterinary Officer. This means anyone keeping hens in England (including just one) will need to ensure they are fully protected from wild birds. The housing measures legally require all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the disease, regardless of type or size. You are able to still enable your birds to have access outside to fresh air, but they will need to be either protected with netting or clear plastic from wild bird droppings.
Evidence shows that housing birds reduces the risk of kept birds being infected with bird flu. However, housing alone will not protect birds and all keepers must still follow the other enhanced biosecurity measures mandated by the AIPZ at all times to protect their flocks and prevent the risk of future outbreaks which is circulating in wild birds.
Housing combined with stringent biosecurity measures can provide even greater reduction in risk
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone was declared across Great Britain on the 17 October 2022, when it was made a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures.
The addition of housing measures to the AIPZ already in force across England means all bird keepers across England must
- housing or netting all poultry and captive birds
- cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
- keep records of mortality, movement of poultry and poultry products and any changes in production
- thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
- keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
- minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
- prevent access by poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas
For more information please check out the government website here: https://tinyurl.com/4e4vdctm
BIDEFORD TOWN CRYER – JIM WEEKS – ON TOUR IN NOVA SCOTIA AND THE USA
Our intrepid travelling Town , Mr Jim Weeks, has been on a special road trip – visiting family in Nova Scotia, then driving down to Biddeford, Maine and onto our Twin Town Manteo, in North Carolina.
He has special dispensation to take his Town Cryer Uniform and bell with him, to ring out and “cry” for Bideford.
Luckily, so far on his travels, Jim has not had to battle with Storms Fiona and Ian.
Our twinning cousins in Manteo are always delighted when they meet anyone from Bideford and we are made to feel very welcome indeed.
*INTRODUCING THE MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR FOR 2022-2023*
Bideford Town Council elected the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, on Thursday 12th May, for the 2022-2023 term.
A round of applause went up for Councillor Mrs Jude Gubb after she was elected as Town Mayor – the first lady Mayor for 14 years! And Councillor Mrs Gubb is the third member of her family to be elected Town Mayor, having been preceded by her brothers Tony Inch and Simon Inch respectively. She will be supported by her Consort and husband, Mr Michael Gubb.
Councillor Mrs Gubb said “I am very proud and feel privileged to be your Mayor and will look forward to representing the Town wherever I am invited. I would like to thank Councillor David Ratcliff for the work he has done during the past year, and for giving me the opportunity to deputise for him when he was unable to attend events. “
She continued, “I am excited and enthusiastic for the coming year – we have some great events of our own lined up, starting with the amazing Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and I know that the Mayor’s diary is filling up rapidly”.
Councillor Mrs Jude Gubb - Town Mayor 2022-2023
01237 475455
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Deputy Mayor for this term is Councillor Jamie McKenzie who was equally delighted to take up the post. Having been on the Town Council since 2015, he felt that he was “ready” for the role. He thanked members for voting for him and assured the Mayor that he would support her to the best of his ability. Councillor Jamie McKenzie will be supported by his Deputy Mayoress and wife, Mrs Zofia McKenzie.
Councillor Jamie McKenzie – Deputy Town Mayor
01237 478424
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
