On 6 December 2016 the Secretary of State approved an Order to make the whole of England an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone for 30 days, in order to help protect poultry from a strain of Avian Influenza in Europe. Welsh and Scottish Governments have also introduced identical measures.

Outbreaks of a highly pathogenic strain of Avian Influenza have been confirmed in poultry and wild birds in several countries in Europe. No cases have been found in the UK and this Order is a precautionary measure to help prevent potential infection from wild birds. Poultry keepers are being urged to reinforce bio-security measures at their premises.

This Prevention Zone introduces mandatory enhanced bio-security measures and requires the immediate housing of all poultry, or where this is not practical, their separation from wild birds. Other captive birds should also be kept separate from wild birds. Keepers should also ensure that poultry and other captive birds are provided with feed and water that is not accessible to wild birds.

Further information regarding the latest situation can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#prevention-zone

Poultry keepers should keep a close watch for signs of disease. If they have any concerns they should seek prompt advice from their vet.

Members of the public are also being asked that if they find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or 5 or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, they report them to the Defra Helpline on 03459 33 55 77.