Bird flu: A national prevention zone has been declared across Britain to stop the spread of the disease

A national bird flu prevention zone has been declared to stop the spread of the disease among poultry and other birds, veterinary health officials said.

Chief vets for Wales, England and Scotland have said it will be mandatory for all poultry farmers in Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) takes effect immediately.

For those who have more than 500 birds inside the prevention zone (all of Britain), some of the key measures include:

• Restriction of non-essential persons and on-site workers

• Workers must change shoes and clothing before entering the pens

• Vehicles on site should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to stop the spread of the disease

Avian flu circulates naturally among wild birds. But it can spread to poultry (birds raised to eat or to lay eggs for human consumption) and other captive birds when they migrate to the UK from overseas.

The risk to human health from the virus is very low and properly cooked poultry – and poultry products, including eggs – are safe to eat, UK health officials have said.

In a joint statement, chief vets told birders that it is now in their best interests to stick to new measures to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease.

“UK health agencies have confirmed that the risk to public health is very low and UK food standards agencies indicate that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk to UK consumers,” the statement said.