DEFRA has declared a prevention zone across Britain to try and prevent poultry and other captive birds from contracting avian flu.
From 5pm on Wednesday 3 November, it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks.
The last week has seen several cases of avian influenza across the UK with the latest seeing a flock of poultry culled near Dundee in Scotland.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has placed the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the whole of Great Britain which means it is now legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.
The introduction of the zone will mean tougher rules for those keeping more than 500 birds. Measures include needing to restrict access to enclosures for non-essential people, changing clothing before entering and cleaning areas regularly.
DEFRA is urging poultry keepers and members of the public to report dead wild birds to its national helpline - but warns people not to touch them.
Avian influenza circulates naturally among wild birds and can be spread to poultry and other captive birds when they migrate to the UK from mainland Europe in winter.
Keepers can read more about the biosecurity measures they need to introduce on the GOV.UK Avian influenza (bird flu) page.
“ Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you are now legally required to introduce higher biosecurity standards on your farm or small holding.
”It is in your interests to do so in order to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.
”The UK health agencies have confirmed that the risk to public health is very low and UK food standards agencies advise that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.”
