In light of recent bird flu findings in wild birds, Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed today that a bird flu prevention zone has been declared across the whole of England.
Following this announcement, all bird keepers are now required to follow strict biosecurity measures.
Last week 17 wild birds tested positive in Dorset and a total of 31 infected birds have now been identified at that site. Defra took swift action to put a local prevention zone in the area on 12 January 2018. However, as these latest result show the disease is not isolated to a single site the decision has been taken to extend the prevention zone across the country on a precautionary basis.
Public Health England have advised the risk to public health remains very low and the Food Standards Agency have said that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumer.
Poultry keepers and members of the public should report dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 and keepers should report suspicion of disease to APHA on 03000 200 301.