The UK chief veterinary officer has ordered a mandatory poultry housing order to cover the whole of England.
The order comes into effect from 00:01 on Friday, 13 November following the increased risk and escalating number of confirmations of bird flu in kept birds and findings in wild birds.
The measures mean bird keepers across England must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep 50 or more birds, or if they sell or give eggs, poultry products and live birds away.
According to government data there have been five cases reported so far in England and one in Scotland.
However, four of the five cases in England were declared in the last week.
“Bird keepers are urged to comply with the housing measures and to exercise robust biosecurity, remaining alert for any signs of disease and reporting suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency,” said UK chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss.
“Having avian influenza confirmed in your flock can be devastating. I understand the impact this disease can have on the poultry sector and am extremely grateful for the continued cooperation of the industry.”
An England-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone with mandatory biosecurity measures has also been declared, coming into force immediately and requiring all keepers to undertake enhanced biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease.
The government has emphasised it currently does not anticipate any impact on the overall availability of Christmas turkeys due to the outbreak.
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