Bird ‘flu latest

New guidelines 28th Feb 2017

There have now been a number of outbreaks of the H5N8 strain in the UK (found in both small back yard flocks as well as wild birds and commercial farms). Stay up to date on the NFU and DEFRA websites.

In summary: all domestic birds including ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys and quail must be kept indoors or completely separate in either a sufficiently covered run (with a solid roof) or polytunnel or similar  and that biosecurity steps such as foot dips etc are put in place. DEFRA and the APHA are cracking down on those that are ignoring the requirements and are able to fine noncompliant keepers £5,000.