A mandatory housing order for all poultry and captive birds has been declared in east England as bird flu continues its deadly spread.

Suffolk, Norfolk and parts of Essex were placed under the compulsory housing order on October 12, after having been declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) in September.

Cornwall, Devon and parts of Somerset were placed in an AIPZ at the end of August.

While currently there is just one confirmed outbreak of bird flu in the south west, in poultry in a domestic setting near Frome in Somerset, all bird keepers are reminded that strict biosecurity measures should be maintained.

The housing order means that all bird keepers must keep their birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks, of whatever type or size.

Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: "We are seeing a growing number of bird flu cases on commercial farms and in backyard birds across the country driven by high levels of disease within wild birds.

"Unfortunately we expect the number of cases to continue to rise over the coming months as migratory birds return to the UK, bringing with them further risk of disease that can spread into our kept flocks.

"We’re taking action already by implementing regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zones in the worst-affected areas, but it is important that all bird keepers – wherever they are in the country – ensure that cleanliness and hygiene are at the forefront of their minds to keep their flocks safe and limit the impact of the outbreak."

The UK is facing its largest ever outbreak of bird flu with nearly 200 cases (191 on October 14) confirmed across the country since late October 2021.

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The wild bird risk across Great Britain is maintained at medium and the risk to poultry with stringent biosecurity is maintained at low.

However, the risk to poultry with poor biosecurity has been increased to medium, in light of the increased number of infected premises observed during September and October and the distance of some of these, as well as wild bird cases, from the coast.

Defra advises that all bird keepers keep a close watch on them for signs of disease and maintain good biosecurity at all times. Any concerns about the health of birds should be relayed to a vet immediately.

It is a legal requirement for bird keepers in the regional AIPZ to take these biosecurity measures:

  • cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
  • reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
  • keep records of mortality, movement of poultry and poultry products and any changes in production
  • thoroughly clean and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
  • keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
  • minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
  • prevent access by poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas

Avian influenza (bird flu) is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.