Measures have come into force today (Monday November 7) to keep all poultry and captive birds indoors in England - in order to prevent the spread of bird flu.
Last week, the national housing measures were announced and are aimed at preventing house birds from interacting with wild birds.
This comes following news that the UK has been facing its largest outbreak of bird flu - with more than 200 cases confirmed on commercial premises, smallholdings, and in pet birds since October last year.
The new measures are being introduced after the disease was confirmed at over 90 premises.
Bird flu has also been found in more than 200 dead wild birds since the start of October this year.
Following this, the Government has said that farmers and smallholders must keep their birds inside, regardless of the type of bird or numbers kept.
In order to protect their flock and prevent the risk of future outbreaks, they were also urged to follow other biosecurity measures mandated by the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) at all times.
These would also include cleansing and disinfecting footwear and clothing before and after contact with birds, reducing the movement of people on to premises, and storing bedding properly so it does not get contaminated by wild birds.
Strikingly, the Government has gone on to warn owners that avian influenza could kill house birds if action is not taken.
Speaking about the measures, Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer, said: "Many poultry keepers in England have excellent biosecurity standards but we know that one small mistake is all it takes to introduce bird flu onto premises and kill flocks.
"A housing order alone will not be enough to reduce infection rates. Implementing scrupulous biosecurity and separating flocks from wild birds remains the best form of defence.
"Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from today onwards they must be housed under cover to protect them from this highly infectious disease."
Meanwhile, the Government has said that these measures will remain in place until further notice, and will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza.
The UK Health Security Agency continued to advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low.
Additionally, the Food Standards Agency also advised that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.
It is important that you do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find, and instead report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
For more information, visit the Government advice page here.
