POULTRY keepers across the UK are being advised by chief veterinary officers to take preventative action across winter to stop the risk of avian flu in flocks.

Although the disease has not been detected in the country for over a year, veterinary officers said that farmers, game keepers and small-holders should remain vigilant with their biosecurity as a protective measure.

These measures include: keeping the area where birds live clean and tidy, controlling rats and mice, cleaning footwear before and after any visits, removing any spilled feed regularly, keeping bird feed and water in fully enclosed areas that are protected from wild birds, and avoid keeping ducks and geese with other poultry species.

A joint statement by all four of the chief veterinary officers in the UK today said: “Avian flu continues to circulate in many parts of the world and with the colder months soon upon us the risk of disease from migrating birds is increasing. It is critical that all keepers of poultry, including game birds and pet birds, act now to reduce the risk of transmission of avian flu to their flocks.

“Good biosecurity should be maintained at all times, including regularly cleaning and disinfecting the area where you keep birds and separating them from wild birds wherever possible.”

The Government said it would continue to monitor for incursions of avian flu, and would work with the poultry and game sector to prevent incursions.