Free-range poultry keepers have been ordered to move their birds indoors, or at least keep them separated from wild birds, as a precaution against avian influenza.

The move follows the rapid spread of the highly contagious disease across Europe, with the most recent cases being found on a 5,000-bird duck farm in France, and a 15,000-bird duck farm in the Netherlands.

Wild birds struck down with the disease have also been reported in 14 European countries since early November.

See also: Bird flu now only 30 miles from Britain

In response, government chief vet Nigel Gibbens has declared that the whole of England should be treated as a Prevention Zone for the next 30 days, introducing enhanced biosecurity for poultry and captive birds.

“While no cases of H5N8 avian flu have been found in the UK, we are closely monitoring the situation across Europe and have scaled up surveillance in response to the heightened risk,” he said.

Mr Gibbens added that, even when birds are housed, a risk of infection remains, so he advised enhanced biosecurity, including:

cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry

reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry are kept to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products

thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting housing at the end of a production cycle

keeping fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all points where people should use it, such as farm entrances and before entering poultry housing

minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds

industry reaction

Mark Williams, chair of the Poultry Health and Welfare Group, which represents the poultry industry, welcomed the decision.

“The poultry industry has been liaising closely with Defra and contingency plans are in place and under constant review,” he said.

“Most birds can be taken inside their houses within a matter of hours. Where birds like geese and game can’t be housed, measures will be put in place to ensure separation from wild birds.”

Now that the government order has been issued, free-range producers will not lose their status as a result of housing their birds.