NORTHUMBERLAND county council's health boss has urged bird keepers to stay cautious as bird flu restrictions end.
Restrictions on poultry housing were put in place last November to curb the spread of Avian Flu.
The UK has faced its largest-ever outbreak of Avian Flu with over 100 cases confirmed across the country since late October, including outbreaks in Northumberland.
But as of today (Monday, May 2), the mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds has been lifted.
The Avian Influenza Preventions Zone (AIPZ) will still remain in force across the UK until further notice, with only the housing measures component being lifted.
Elizabeth Morgan, Director of Public Health at Northumberland County Council, said: “This is good news for people in the county who keep birds, whether it’s a commercial flock or just a few back garden hens.
“However, just because the legal limits are being relaxed we still need to remain vigilant and act cautiously. Poultry keepers need to keep up high standards of biosecurity because bird flu could still be around or return.
“We are advising bird keepers to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, report suspected disease immediately and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.”
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