Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park has come out to say that it has a suspected case of avian influenza (bird flu) among its exotic birds.
As a precautionary measure it has closed down today (Tuesday, November 22) and is implementing biosecurity and control measures.
It said it is also in contact with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), who are investigating further.
“Our priority at this time is to protect our birds and support our team,” a spokesperson for the business said.
“We thank you for your understanding and patience during this difficult period.”
They added that a member of the customer service team will be in touch with those that are affected by today’s closure, i.e. people who had purchased tickets.
Sympathy comments have poured in over social media, with many saying they are “sorry to hear” this “heartbreaking news”.
Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park
Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park is ran by well-known TV presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty. It is home to over 100 species and breeds, from farmyard animals to those more exotic.
Its bird collection includes rheas; emus; greylag geese; red-breasted geese; mandarin ducks; muscovy ducks; laughing kookaburras; black swans; and indian peafowls.
It offers visitors many experience packages to come to the holding and interact with various animals.
It is located in Ipswich, Suffolk, a roughly 15 minutes’ drive from the edge of the intersection of three bird flu surveillance zones.
These surveillance zones, each of a 10km radius, are for two confirmed bird flu cases in Hadleigh, and one in Needham.
