The whole of the country has been designated an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone. This applies to every poultry and captive bird owner in England.

This comes as H5N6 bird flu was confirmed in 13 wild birds in Warwickshire, a few days after bird flu – highly expected to be the same strain - was found in wild birds in South Dorset January 12 2018.

British Veterinary Poultry Association (BVPA) President Phil Hammond said: “It’s really important that all bird keepers heed biosecurity advice issued by Defra, and maintain the highest biosecurity standards. Any suspicion of Avian Influenza should be reported to the APHA as soon as possible.” 

If you keep poultry or birds, you must follow detailed requirements on strict biosecurity, whether you have commercial flocks, a few birds in a backyard flock or any birds that are pets.

Bird flu has now been found in wild birds throughout the country. It is present in Europe and wild bird migration brings birds to the UK from areas where highly pathogenic bird flu is present.

The risk of bird flu occurring in poultry in still considered low but poultry keepers are being told to follow specific disease prevention measures to reduce the risk of infection from wild birds.

Birds can be allowed outdoors into fenced areas but only if these areas meet certain conditions. These include making areas unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources, and reducing any existing contamination, such as cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas.

Those that keep more than 500 birds must take some extra biosecurity measures. They include identifying clearly defined areas where access by non-essential people and vehicles is restricted, and cleaning and disinfecting vehicles, equipment and footwear.

Poultry keepers must continue to follow the existing animal welfare rules.

To ensure good biosecurity, all poultry keepers are being told by the government to minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures,

to clean footwear before and after visiting birds and use a Defra approved disinfectant at entrances and exits. Vehicles are equipment that has come into contact wityh poultry should be cleaned and disinfected. Areas where birds live must be kept clean and tidy, and hard surfaces such as paths and walkways regularly disinfected. Rats and mice should be humanely controlled and birds’ food and water in fully enclosed areas must be protected from wild birds and spilled feed removed regularly. Finally, poultry owners are advised to keep birds separate from wildlife and wild waterfowl by putting suitable fencing around outdoor areas they access and keep a close watch on birds for any signs of disease, reporting any very sick birds or unexplained deaths to a vet immediately.

Anyone who finds dead wild birds should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.