NFU chief poultry adviser Aimee Mahony said: “Due to a number of confirmed Avian Influenza cases, the introduction of these new housing measures is a logical next step to best protect poultry.
“Giving poultry keepers notice of these new measures will allow them to prepare and implement them to the best of their ability.
“These new measures mean that every poultry keeper, whether you have one hen in the garden or a large poultry business, must house their birds indoors and I would urge everyone with poultry to take these measures seriously.
“It’s crucial that everyone remains vigilant and reports any signs of disease in their birds at the earliest opportunity.”
- Defra has said that the risk to human health from Avian Influenza is very low and that Avian Influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products, including eggs.