All birdkeepers, including those with just a couple of pet birds, must follow the prevention measures (Picture: Getty Images)
Most of the UK has been placed under an avian influenza prevention zone after cases show no sign of stopping.
The new zone to tackle a rising number of bird flu cases was declared in England and Scotland after the spread among poultry has escalated.
From noon today, all birdkeepers in the area must follow strict biosecurity measures to help prevent further outbreaks, the Chief Veterinary Officers from England and Scotland announced.
Measures include thorough cleaning of bird housing, personal workwear and minimising contact between wild and captive birds.
The map shows the UK avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ). Dark purple areas already have a mandatory Housing Order in place (Picture: Animal & Plant Health Agency)
Captive birds must be prevented from accessing bodies of water other animals use.
All birdkeepers, including those with just a couple of pet birds or some in their backyard, must follow the prevention measures as they are a legal requirement.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer, said: ‘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.
‘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 and Plant Health Agency.’
Bird flu has been spreading among poultry flocks in the UK (Picture: Getty Images)
The strictest level of measures – known as a Housing Order – is also in place in the north of England.
East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk already have an active Housing Order declared in December.
A new Housing Order will come into force in York, North Yorkshire and Shropshire at 12.01am on Monday.
Is bird flu dangerous to humans?
The risk to human health remains low, Defra said.
This means that properly cooked poultry and poultry products such as eggs are safe to eat.
However, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) remains ‘vigilant’ if evidence shows changing levels of risk, Defra added.
As with many other diseases, bird flu also has various strains, some more infectious than others.
In the US, the first death of a human traced to bird flu was confirmed just weeks ago.
The 65-year-old patient, who was not identified, was taken to hospital with severe respiratory issues before their death. They were in contact with sick and dead fowl in a backyard flock.
In June, a 59-year-old patient died in Mexico City after contracting A(H5N2) virus – the first confirmed case in a human, according to the World Health Organization.
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