Poultry owners in Staffordshire ordered to keep birds indoors to prevent spread of bird flu

The measures have been introduced to protect poultry and other captive birds and apply to keepers of more than 50 birds and any sellers of poultry products.

The restrictions are in place in the north, central and east of England and take effect from today (October. 30)

Anyone with birds are reminded to keep alert for signs of disease and to maintain good biosecurity. Keepers should also check if they are in a restriction zone where specific guidance is in force. People can find out the status of their area on the DEFRA website. 

Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Bird flu can have devastating consequences for wildlife and the poultry sector, and it’s important that we do what we can to reduce the risks.

“We’re asking all bird keepers to make sure they have good bio security measures in place and to be particularly vigilant for signs of the disease. Keepers with more than 50 birds or people selling poultry products should keep their birds indoors.

“There’s lots of advice available online and people should follow the guidance in force in their area.”

Some advice for birdkeepers includes:

• Keeping the area where birds live clean and tidy, controlling rats and mice and regularly cleansing and disinfecting any hard surfaces

• Cleaning footwear before and after visits

• Placing birds’ feed and water in fully enclosed areas that are protected from wild birds, and removing any spilled feed regularly

• Putting fencing around outdoor areas where birds are allowed and limiting their access to ponds or areas visited by wild waterfowl

• Where possible, avoid keeping ducks and geese with other poultry species.

Further advice for birdkeepers is available at gov.uk/birdflu.