Bird flu prevention zones extended to whole of England and Scotland
It comes after several cases were found across the east of England
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has extended its protection zones against the spread of bird flu to all of England and Scotland.
Several cases of the disease have been confirmed on farms in East Anglia and East Yorkshire, with other orders being made for counties including Lincolnshire, Shropshire and North Yorkshire.
Now, prevention zones that help to stop the spread of the disease are being extended to the entirety of England. A similar zone has also come into force in Scotland.
The order came into effect at noon on Saturday (January 25th), and will extend to cover anyone with birds, be it for commercial or personal purposes.
According to DEFRA, the measures are being brought in as an "essential" tool so that flocks of birds can be protected from the disease.
DEFRA added that the zones will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review as the disease tries to remain contained.
It comes following the discovery of a "highly pathogenic" strain of bird flu was found in a poultry farm in Hambleton in North Yorkshire on Saturday.
As a result, a 3-kilometre protection zone was set up around the premises, with extra surveillance and monitoring being put in place for as far as 10 kilometres from the farm.
Due to the discovery of the strain, all chickens that are on the farm will be "humanely culled", according to DEFRA.