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Bird and poultry owners must legally move their animals indoors from Monday to reduce the spread of bird flu




Time is running out for poultry owners to bring their animals indoors to limit the spread of bird flu.

From Monday (December 14) new housing measures will come into force in England to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza.

The RSPCA is urging people with birds to follow the latest Government measures to keep birds contained indoors.

Birds must be kept indoors
Birds must be kept indoors

Poultry welfare specialist Siân Phillips said: “Keeping hens has become more and more popular in recent years so it’s really important that owners follow Government biosecurity advice to help protect the health of their birds as well as to try and limit the spread of the virus.

“All pet poultry owners need to stay vigilant for signs of disease and ill health in their flocks and it’s vital they seek veterinary advice if they have any concerns for their birds.

“It’s also really important to report any suspected outbreaks of avian influenza to Defra. We would encourage all pet poultry owners to register their birds with the APHA so they can contact owners if there’s a disease outbreak in their area.”

There has been confirmed cases in captive birds in Leicestershire, Kent, Cheshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Norfolk and North Yorkshire, plus several more confirmed cases in wild birds.

Keeping birds indoors will be a legal requirement from Monday.



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