HOUSING measures for bird keepers have come into force following a number of confirmed Avian Flu cases.

From Monday this week it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers in the UK to keep their birds indoors and to keep to strict biosecurity measures to reduce the spread of and stop the virus.

The additional housing measures follow the strengthened biosecurity regulations that were brought in across Great Britain as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) on 3 November 2021 and in Northern Ireland on 17 November 2021.

Keepers in addition to the housing measures are urged to continue taking extra precautions to keep their flocks safe by regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles when entering or exiting sites and limiting access to non-essential workers or visitors.

Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk.

Mark Young, Denbighshire County Council’s lead member for planning, public protection and safer communities, said: “We are urging all Denbighshire poultry and captive bird keepers to remain vigilant for any signs of Avian Flu in their birds and also any wild birds and if you have any concerns seek prompt advice from your vet.

“We would like to thank county bird keepers for playing their part in reducing the spread of this virus.”

Members of the public should not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick wild birds that you find. These include dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) and other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey.