Janice R. Andrews
Starting 23 December, all poultry and captive birds in certain parts of Yorkshire and the East of England will be required to stay indoors to prevent the spread of bird flu, according to a government announcement.
The new restrictions will apply in East Riding of Yorkshire, Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk, following advice from the Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated that the measures were prompted by the “increasing local risk and number of bird flu cases.”
This action builds upon the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) declared on 13 December. Bird keepers are urged to follow strict biosecurity protocols, watch for signs of illness, and report any concerns to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Defra reassured the public that the current risk to human health remains minimal and that properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat. For more information, bird keepers can refer to Defra’s interactive map and the housing measure guidelines.
