An avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) has been extended across the whole of England.
The move, as of midday on Saturday, was made by the UK chief veterinary officer following an escalation in the number of cases of avian influenza and continued heightened risk levels in wild birds.
It will require keepers to conduct enhanced biosecurity to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease.
Before Christmas, Defra declared an AIPZ across the east of England including East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, where a house order remains in force.
In this latest announcement, a housing order has been extended in the north of England to cover York and North Yorkshire and a new housing order came into effect his morning in Shropshire following an outbreak in the county.
Mandatory housing also applies in any 3km protection zone surrounding an infected premises.
“Given the continued increase in the number of bird flu cases across England, we are taking further action to try and prevent the further spread of disease,” said UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss. “I urge bird keepers to check which requirements apply to them, to continue to exercise robust biosecurity measures, remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately to the Animal & Plant Health Agency.”
The current risk to human health remains low and, as standard, properly cooked poultry and poultry products including eggs are safe to eat.
However, the UKHSA remains vigilant for any evidence of changing levels of risk and are keeping this under constant review.
The UKHSA has since confirmed a rare case of bird flu in a person in the West Midlands region. The person acquired the infection on a farm where they had close and prolonged contact with a large number of infected birds.
The health agency said the risk to the wider public continues to be very low and the individual is currently well.
The AIPZ measures apply to all bird keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock, the government said.
The restrictions will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review.
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