Biosecurity measures
In summary all poultry keepers should:
- keep domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry
- ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources
- feed and water their birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds
- minimise movement into and out of bird enclosures
- cleanse and disinfect footwear and keep area where birds live clean and tidy
- reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas and fencing off wet or boggy areas
- keep free ranging birds within fenced areas, and ponds, watercourses and permanent standing water must be fenced off (except in specific circumstances e.g. zoo birds)
If you keep more than 500 birds, you must take some extra biosecurity measures, which include:
- identifying clearly defined areas where access by non-essential people and vehicles are restricted
- cleaning and disinfecting vehicles, equipment and footwear
- keeping records of vehicles and personnel entering and leaving the live-bird part
If you suspect any type of avian influenza you must report it immediately by calling APHA on 0300 020 0301. Failure to do so is an offence.
Read our full list of biosecurity measures.