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Bird keepers are being put on alert about avian influenza once again following the deaths of 15 greylag geese from a flock in St. Ouen's Bay.
Jersey's Deputy Chief Vet, Dr Caroline Terburgh, has now written to remind owners of the importance of separating their poultry from wild birds wherever possible.
While she said there are no current plans to introduce a compulsory housing order, as England did last week, she emphasised that strong biosecurity measures are "vital to help stop any outbreaks or spread, so please use foot dips at entrances and exits, and clear up any spilled feed."
"This disease kills and can wipe out large flocks overnight, and we know it's here with us in Jersey," Dr Teburgh added.
According to the Government: "The virus is spread when infected wild birds mingle with domestic poultry and the virus is shed in faeces, saliva, or mucus discharges.
"Poultry become infected by eating or inhaling the virus, the virus then spreads rapidly throughout the flock, and other wild birds in close contact with the poultry can then pick up and spread the virus elsewhere.
"The virus can also be spread by inanimate objects such as people's clothing and boots, bedding, farming equipment and vehicles."
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