11 November 2020
Following recent outbreaks of avian influenza, a prevention zone has been declared across England, Scotland and Wales to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading.
This means it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures. Keepers with more than 500 birds will need to restrict access for non-essential people on their sites, workers will need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and site vehicles will need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Backyard owners with smaller numbers of poultry, including chickens, ducks and geese, are also urged to strengthen their biosecurity measures in order to prevent further outbreaks of avian influenza in the UK.
Updates:
UK Government
Avian influenza (bird flu)
Scottish Government
Avian influenza (bird flu): how to spot and report the disease
Welsh Government
Avian influenza (bird flu): latest update
See also Biosecurity and preventing welfare impacts in poultry and captive birds: advice for all captive bird and poultry keepers (including game birds, waterfowl, and pet birds), which was published on 15 January 2021.