12.09.23 – Avian Flu near Uttoxeter, Bus air quality upgrades
Written by Hitmix Local News on 14 September 2023
People are being reminded to do what they can to help reduce the spread of Avian Influenza following confirmation of a case in the county.
The case was confirmed at a farm near Uttoxeter on Thursday 7 September.
Officers from Staffordshire County Councils Trading Standards Animal Health team are working with the Animal and Plant Health Agency and advising local poultry and captive bird keepers .
All bird keepers are being asked to remain vigilant and to look out for signs of ill health in their birds. They should follow strict bio-security rules. This includes ensuring wild birds cannot have access to any bedding, feed or water intended for use for kept poultry or birds.
In addition to this, steps must be taken to reduce the movements of people into or out of the areas where birds are kept.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said: “We have seen a rise in cases of avian influenza over the last few years and it’s really important we are aware and do what we can to reduce the spread of it.
“While the risk to the public from this strain of avian flu is very low, birdkeepers should follow any guidance and have all the necessary biosecurity measures in place. Anyone visiting the countryside, green spaces or country parks should also follow any local guidance. People should not touch or try to rescue injured birds as they could be infected.
“Anyone spotting injured or dead birds should report them to the Defra helpline.”
Further advice for bird keepers on reducing the spread of Avian Influenza is available on the Gov.uk website.
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A fleet of buses in Stoke-on-Trent has been upgraded to help cut harmful nitrogen dioxide pollution in the air.
A government grant, given to Stoke-on-Trent City Council as part of its National Air Quality Plan, has been used to fund the installation of equipment on buses to significantly reduce their harmful exhaust emissions.
The focus has been on buses that use Bucknall New Road, a major bus route in and out of the city centre, because it has had concentrations of nitrogen dioxide which exceed the government’s statutory pollution limit
In addition to the 17 engine retrofits, 20 newer buses have been brought into the city meaning a total of 37 cleaner buses in the city thanks to this funding.
