Bird flu restrictions put in place across all of England and Scotland as cases rise

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Restrictions have been placed on the whole of England and Scotland to try to slow the spread of bird flu.

All bird keepers, from people with pet birds to farmers with huge flocks, are now required to follow strict hygiene measures imposed by the government.

In some counties, mostly across the east of England, even stricter rules are being put in place that mean birds must be kept indoors.

"I urge bird keepers to check which requirements apply to them," said the UK chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss.

"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."

What are the new bird-keeping restrictions?

Any footwear going in or out of a place where birds are kept must be disinfected or covered with clean, disposable over-shoes.
Food, water and bedding for the birds must be stored under cover to stop wild birds or rodents infecting it.
Direct contact with birds on neighbouring premises must be stopped.
Vermin control should be carried out anywhere where birds are kept.
Birds of prey shouldn’t be fed anything that has been exposed to bird flu.
Only people looking after the birds’ welfare, collecting eggs or feeding the birds should visit the area where they are kept.
Records should be kept of all vehicles that enter the premises and of people who have direct contact with the birds.
Detailed records should also be kept of the birds’ movement, the movement of their eggs and details of their ongoing health.
Buildings housing birds that are damp or have water coming in should be fixed as soon as possible.
Birds like ducks and geese should not be kept in the same building as other bird species.
Bird keepers must also immediately alert the authorities if they notice more illness in their birds, a significant drop in egg production or an increase in deaths.
There are a few exceptions to these rules for zoos, racing pigeon keepers and keepers of birds of prey.

Although the risk to humans is still low, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), bird flu cases are rising around the world.

In the US, about 10% of the nation's egg-laying hens have been culled, leading to soaring egg prices.

The New York Times reported that shops and restaurants are now paying a record $7 (£5.60) for a dozen eggs, up from $2.25 (£1.80) last autumn.

In the UK, the average egg price increased by 16% between early 2023 and early 2024, according to the government's most recent figures.

Properly cooked poultry products, including eggs, are still safe to eat, according to DEFRA.

A housing order has been extended and from Monday will apply in York, North Yorkshire and Shropshire, and remains in force across East Riding of Yorkshire, the City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Mandatory housing also applies within 3km of any infected premises.

Since November, 22 confirmed avian flu cases have been found in England, with one in Scotland.

On Saturday, avian flu was confirmed in a small backyard flock of poultry in Easingwold, North Yorkshire.

A three-kilometre protection zone is now in place, meaning all birds within three kilometres must be housed, and the infected flock will be culled.

There have been no cases confirmed in Wales or Northern Ireland.

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