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taken to publicise their requirements by inspection and the circulation
of leaflets and posters as required by the Diseases of Animals
Act, 1950. The following is an extract from a letter circulated to
poultry keepers, bird fanciers, pet shops and corn chandlers
throughout the Borough :—
" Investigations into recent outbreaks have revealed that one
of the most important provisions of the Live Poultry (Restrictions)
Order, 1952, is not in all cases being strictly observed. This is the
rule that makes it an offence for live poultry to be moved from
premises on to which any live poultry have been moved during the
preceding 28 days. The main reason for this provision is that if
poultry are in the incubative stage offowl pest when they are moved
on to any premises, the symptoms should become noticeable in
those birds or in the contact birds during this detention period of
28 days. The only exceptions to this rule are that live poultry may be
moved from authorised markets and from shows organised by an
agricultural society or poultry club. The rule applies to all other
premises including premises on to which birds have been moved
from a show or a market during the previous 28 days. Strict
adherence to this rule by poultry-keepers is of vital importance in
preventing the spread of fowl pest.
The Diseases of Animals (Extension of Definition of Poultry)
Order, 1953, extends the definition of ' poultry ' in the Diseases
of Animals Act, 1950, so as to include parrots and certain
other birds likely to spread the disease known as psittacosis (or
ornithosis) and fowl pest.
The Psittacosis or Ornilhosis Order, 1953, extends the definition
of the expression ' disease ' for the purposes of the Diseases
of Animals Act, 1950, to include the disease known as psittacosis
or ornithosis so that the provisions of that Act may apply to
domestic poultry, parrots and other birds affected with, or
suspected of being affected with, the disease. The Order also
provides for the detention and isolation of affected or suspected
birds and for the cleansing and disinfection of premises and
utensils used for such birds.
Copies of the above-mentioned Orders can be purchased from
H.M. Stationery Office, Kingsway, W.C.2, price 3d. each."