Bird flu in Hastings

This year has seen an unprecedented number of cases of bird flu (avian influenza) both locally and nationally. Information on this page gives advice on what to do if you keep domestic birds such as chickens, ducks and pigeons.

The United Kingdom's Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:

"We are now facing this year the largest ever outbreak of bird flu and are seeing rapid escalation in the number of cases on commercial farms and in backyard birds across England. The risk of kept birds being exposed to disease has reached a point where it is now necessary for all birds to be housed until further notice.

"Scrupulous biosecurity and separating flocks in all ways from wild birds remain the best form of defence. Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from Monday 7 November onwards you must keep yours indoors. This decision has not been taken lightly, but is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease."

How bird flu affects Hastings

This summer cases were confirmed in a small domestic flock in Bexhill, and captive birds in Fairlight that led to a protection and surveillance area being put into place. Since then here in Hastings we have had sporadic confirmed cases when dead seabirds have been tested. Now the whole of England, Wales and Scotland is covered an Avian Influenza Protection Zone with mandatory housing order since 7 November 2022.

December 2022 - The closest protection and surveillance zone to Hastings is a Billingshurst, West Sussex. To find out more please see the Animal and Plant Health Agency interactive avian influenza disease map.

How to protect your birds

Measures are in place to help restrict the spread of disease. Keeping captive birds away from wild birds by putting them in sheds or using fine mesh to protect outside runs is a large part of biosecurity or infection control. Also think about cleaning and what you are taking into enclosures including food and boots.

For full government guidance see:

• Bird flu (avian influenza): how to prevent it and stop it spreading
• Bird flu (avian influenza): housing your birds safely

Sign up for updates if you keep birds in the Hastings Borough

If you have a small domestic flock (below 50 birds) such as chickens you do not have to register with Defra.

You can sign up to receive updates of how bird flu is changing and affecting Hastings and the surrounding area. Please click on the button below to register your contact details. Please give either an email address or mobile phone number as updates will be sent as email or text. Your contact information will only be used for updating you on bird flu and will not be passed onto any others.

For further information

• Latest national bird flu update
• Symptoms of bird flu
• Restrictions on racing pigeons, birds of prey and other captive birds

Contact us

• Email: environmentalhealth@hastings.gov.uk