Bird flu prevention zone to cover the whole of England
Bird flu prevention zones are being declared across England from Saturday afternoon, enforcing strict hygiene standards around birds.
The government said the decision was taken due to the increasing number of cases and the threat to wildlife.
Even stricter measures requiring all birds to be kept are being implemented in some counties.
The risk to human health remains low, with chicken and eggs being safe to eat if cooked properly.
The avian influenza prevention zone across England applies to all keepers of birds, whether they are pets or commercial flocks.
This means their owners must take advanced biosecurity measures, including:
- Minimizing contact with wild birds by keeping free-range birds in fenced areas
- Providing fodder and water by concealing it so that wild birds cannot reach it
- Cleaning and disinfecting footwear before and after bird care
- Keeping ducks and swans separate from other poultry
The government said that this will remain in force until further notice.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “Given the continued increase in the number of bird flu cases across England, we are taking further action to prevent the disease spreading further.
“I urge bird keepers to check what requirements apply to them, continue to use strong biosecurity measures, remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately to Animal and Plant Health. Give it to the agency.”
A stay-at-home order in the north of England is being extended to include York and North Yorkshire from Monday, with a new order also in place for Shropshire after an outbreak in the county.
The current order in the North of England includes the East Riding of Yorkshire, Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
A 3 km safety zone is created around any infected premises, in which all birds also need to be contained.
