Avian Flu - More Than 60 Birds Culled In Newington

The Happy Pants Ranch animal sanctuary, in Newington, has confirmed positive for the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain.

DEFRA (The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) announced that a number of the captive birds at the premises had tested positive on Monday (27th October) and were destroyed.

A 3km controlled zone was immediately implemented on Monday evening, and requires anyone who owns birds in this vicinity (which borders Upchurch, Hartlip, Iwade and Kemsley) to monitor and safely house them inside.

DEFRA also confirmed that some strains of the disease can spread through to humans in close contact with infected animals, or exposure to contaminated environments.

Earlier today (Wednesday 29th October), the remaining 61 birds on the ranch were culled - these included ducks, geese, rehea, seagulls, hens, cockerels, pigeons and pheasants and a well-known local avaian celebrity the emu called "BB".

Amey James, who runs the Happy Pants Ranch, was "teary-eyed" when she spoke to local press confirming that "last Wednesday I found a duck that appeared to be lethargic and brought it inside for a shower and feed. Within 24 hours, it had died, which I thought was strange, but put that down to genetics or an underlying illness at the time".

A lockdown on the site has been implemented for the next 7 days but can be extended by DEFRA. Only Amey and three other volunteers will be allowed on site and all movements in and out must be logged.

Speaking on social media Amey said "I don’t think in all my 10 years of running the sanctuary and keeping birds, I’ve ever had a more devastating blow - and there’s definitely been a few over the recent years.. but this has ripped mine - and all the crew's hearts right out. I can’t even begin to explain it". 

If you wish to donate to The Happy Pants Ranch Animal Sanctuary please visit: https://gofund.me/5e39bdcab