Bird Flu
Do you own or keep birds ?
Bird Keepers: Important Update
A new Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is now in place across England and takes effect immediately.
If you keep birds of any kind, whether you have pet birds, a backyard flock, or a commercial poultry business, you must follow stricter biosecurity rules to help prevent the spread of bird flu.
What you need to do
- Clean and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with birds.
- Limit the movement of people, vehicles and equipment around bird areas.
- Keep bird housing clean and disinfect it regularly.
- Use disinfectant at entry and exit points where birds are kept.
- Control rats, mice and other pests.
- Keep feed and water away from wild birds.
- Prevent birds from accessing ponds, streams and other open water sources.
- Keep birds in fenced or enclosed areas where possible.
- Monitor your birds and report any unusual changes, including drops in egg production.
These measures are mandatory and are designed to protect both captive and wild birds from bird flu.
Full details are available at National Housing Order declared to protect birds from Avian Influenza