A concerning rise in the number of bird flu cases has forced health officials to declare a prevention zone for the disease bringing in strict measures across the whole of England.
The worrying spike in bird flu cases has led to decision to enforce the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) as keepers will be required to implement extra hygiene measures.
Even stricter measures means all birds must be kept indoors in York, North Yorkshire, Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Shropshire.
The risk to human health remains low, the government said, with fully cooked poultry and products including eggs are safe to eat.
The AIPZ applies to all bird keepers whether they have a commercial flock or pets in an attempt to contain the disease, which is also being spread in the wild bird population.
The extra biosecurity measures include separating free range birds and wild birds by keeping them in fenced areas, cleaning and disinfecting footwear while looking after the birds and keeping ducks and geese separate from other poultry.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss said: ‘Given the continued increase in the number of bird flu cases across England, we are taking further action to try and prevent the further spread of disease.
‘I urge bird keepers to check which requirements apply to them, to continue to exercise robust biosecurity measures, remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.’
A view of the culling operation after bird flu was found at a duck farm in Southburgh near Hingham, Norfolk, in December
The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been extended for the whole of England in a bid to control the concerning rise in number of cases of the disease
Even stricter measures means all birds must be kept indoors in York, North Yorkshire, Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Shropshire
There have been 23 confirmed cases of bird flu in England since the start of 2024, most occurring in eastern England where the strictest measures are in place.
A housing order, requiring birds to be kept in enclosures, which had been in force in East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk has been extended.
It has also been brought into place to cover Shropshire, York and North Yorkshire and will come into force from Monday, January 27.
A 3km protection zone will be put in place around any infected premises and will also be subject to a housing order.
The AIPZ came into force across England at 12pm today and will be in place until further notice being kept under regular government review.
