A bird flu prevention zone has been declared across the whole of the UK to stop the spread of the disease among poultry and other birds, chief veterinary officers have said.

It means it is now a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks.

People with more than 500 birds inside the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) must restrict access for non-essential people, workers must change clothing and footwear before entering enclosures, and vehicles will need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to halt the spread of the disease.

Avian influenza circulates naturally among wild birds and can be spread to poultry and other captive birds when they migrate to the UK from mainland Europe over the winter.

UK health agencies say the risk to public health from the virus is very low.

The introduction of the AIPZ comes after the disease was detected in captive birds in England, Wales and Scotland, as well as among wild bird at multiple sites across the UK.

In a joint statement, the Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland and Wales said: “Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you are now legally required to introduce higher biosecurity standards on your farm or small holding. It is in your interests to do so in order to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.

“The UK health agencies have confirmed that the risk to public health is very low and UK food standards agencies advise that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.”

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