Poultry keepers have been told to keep birds inside for 30 days following an outbreak of avian flu in Europe.

The government’s Chief Veterinary Officer declared a Prevention Zone on Tuesday in an effort to protect poultry from a highly infectious strain, H5N8, which has affected farms in Europe and been detected in wild ducks in northern France.

Anyone with chickens, turkeys or ducks - or any other captive bird - must keep them indoors to keep them separate from wild birds.

Amey Evans, who keep 34 chickens at Happy Pants Ranch animal sanctuary in Rainham, said it was “awful” having to keep her chickens locked up.

“Someone tagged me in a post yesterday, and originally it was just East Anglia but then it became a whole ban on the UK. It’s awful really.

I’ve got a large walk-in run but I like my chickens to free-range as much as possible. I feel bad normally if I don’t let them out for two days.
“It’s quite concerning - if the government and the head vet is saying this, then this is major thing.”

She said some poultry keepers wouldn’t have the capacity to keep their chickens indoors, but that she would be sticking to the guidelines even if it meant having to go the extra mile to entertain her cooped-up hens.

“I want to keep my flock, so if people want to let their chickens out it’s at their own risk. It’s a deadly virus so it will wipe out your whole flock.

“I’m going to have to provide extra food and objects like mirrors and hanging CDs to keep them amused.”

No UK cases have yet been detected and the government’s chief vet Prof Nigel Gibbens said the risk to humans was low.

The precautionary measures apply to farmers and anyone in England who keeps any birds, even those with a few chickens in their back garden.
Farmers are being asked to look for signs of infection and to disinfect farm entrances, housing, equipment and clothing.

Members of the public are asked to call the Defra helpline - 03459 335577 - if they find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location.