Bird flu prevention zone imposed across England

A bird flu prevention zone enforcing strict hygiene standards around domesticated birds has been declared for the whole of England.

A rising number of cases and risk avian influenza poses to wild birds led to the decision, the government said.

Even stricter measures, requiring all birds to be placed in enclosures, are being enforced in some counties in eastern England.

The risk to humans remains low, with chicken and eggs safe to eat if properly cooked, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across England applies to all bird keepers, whether they have pets or a commercial flock.

It means owners have to conduct enhanced biosecurity measures, including:

• Minimising contact with wild birds by keeping free range birds in fenced areas or indoors

• Providing feed and water undercover so wild birds cannot access it

• Cleaning and disinfecting footwear before and after looking after birds

• Keeping ducks and geese separate from other poultry

The measure is in place from noon on Saturday until further notice, Defra said.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss urged bird keepers to check which requirements apply to them and "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".

There have been 23 cases of bird flu confirmed in England since the start of 2024, most of which occurred in eastern England.

A housing order - requiring birds to be kept in enclosures - which had been in force for coastal counties from Suffolk to East Riding of Yorkshire since mid-December has now been extended.

From Monday, it will now also include Shropshire, York and North Yorkshire.

A 3km protection zone is put in place around any infected premises, which are also required to house all birds.

A Welsh government spokesperson noted there were currently no confirmed cases in Wales, but said it was "closely monitoring the situation in England" and the need for its own AIPZ "is kept under constant review".