Poultry keepers who may be getting complacent with measures designed to protect their birds from avian flu risk losing flocks to the disease, the government's Chief Vet is warning.

Christine Middlemess says those looking after animals such as chickens, geese or ducks are in danger of 'walking the virus into their holdings' if they fail to keep-up with the restrictions in place trying to tackle the UK's biggest ever bird flu outbreak.

With 100 cases reported since November, the government introduced strict biosecurity measures at the end of last year for those looking after captive birds.

The move meant that anyone keeping chickens, ducks, geese or other birds has had to house them indoors by law for the past three months in order to prevent them from mixing with migratory wild birds who are most responsible for spreading the virus.

People can also spread the disease on clothes and shoes so strict washing and disinfecting procedures are in place that keepers must follow - while there is also advice to limit the numbers of people and vehicles moving around sites where captive birds and poultry are kept.

With the current rules having now been in place since the end of November, UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemess is concerned about complacency.

She said: "We have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease including introducing housing measures. However we are still seeing a number of bird flu cases both on commercial farms and in backyard birds right across the country.

"Many poultry keepers have excellent biosecurity standards but the number of cases we are seeing suggests that not enough is being done to keep bird flu out. Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands you must take action now to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.

"The avian flu outbreak has not gone away and implementing scrupulous biosecurity remains absolutely critical. You must continue to regularly clean and disinfect your footwear and clothes before entering enclosures, stop your birds mixing with any wild birds and only allow visitors that are strictly necessary. It is your actions that will help keep your birds safe."

Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies say that avian flu poses a very low food safety risk for humans too. But people are being told however, to not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that they may find and instead report them to the government's dedicated helpline.

The current legal measures are to remain in force 'until further notice' says the government but that they are kept under regular review as part of ongoing efforts to protect flocks this winter.

All bird keepers are also being asked to keep a close eye on their animals for signs of disease or ill health and maintain good biosecurity at all times.

If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77. Those who suspect cases of bird flu in their captive flocks should ring 03000 200 301 as soon as possible.