Bird flu prevention zone in place across England
Across England, a bird flu prevention zone has been declared to enforce strict hygiene standards around domesticated birds.
The government says rising numbers of cases and risks from avian influenza will bring decisions to wild birds.
In some counties in eastern England, all birds are required to be kept in enclosures, even if stricter measures are required.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the risk to humans remains low and chicken and eggs are safe to eat.
Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZs) across England apply to all bird keepers, regardless of whether they have pet or commercial flocks.
This means owners must implement enhanced biosecurity measures, including:
- By keeping free-range birds in enclosures or indoors
- Provide feed and water secrets so wild birds cannot access
- Clean and disinfect footwear before and after caring for birds
- Separate ducks and geese from other poultry
Defra said the measure was in effect from midday on Saturday until further notice.
The UK’s chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, urged bird keepers to check the requirements that apply to them and “continue to exercise strong biosecurity measures, remain vigilant for any signs of disease and immediately report to Animal and Plant Health Institutional reporting of suspected illness.”
Since the start of 2024, 23 cases of bird flu have been confirmed in England, with the majority occurring in the East of England.
A housing order – requiring birds to be kept in enclosures – has been in effect in coastal counties from Suffolk to Yorkshire since mid-December.
From Monday, it will now also include Shropshire, York and North Yorkshire.
A 3km protected area is established around any infested site, which is also required to accommodate all bird species.
A Welsh Government spokesman noted that there were currently no confirmed cases in Wales, but said it was “closely monitoring the situation in England and keeping its own AIPZ needs under constant review”.
