Dorset farmers ordered to keep chickens under 'lockdown' to combat bird flu
The UK is currently seeing its largest outbreak of avian influenza
Poultry farmers across the UK are being ordered to keep their birds inside until further notice.
This comes after the largest outbreak of bird flu has spread right through the country .
The government are telling all bird keepers to be vigilant to help prevent the spread of avian influenza.
Their advice page currently reads: "The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu with over 200 cases confirmed across the country since late October 2021.
"All poultry and captive birds must be housed in England until further notice, following an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza in wild birds and on commercial premises.
"Bird keepers are required to shut their birds indoors and implement strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian influenza, regardless of whatever type or size.
"Introducing these steps on farm is the most effective way in reducing the risk of disease spreading."
Dorset farmer Tim Gelfs has welcomed these measures.
He told us: "It's exactly like lockdown. We're very glad the government has acted and made us shut down the units - to keep the birds in, there's just another risk factor now for us that has gone.
"To anyone who has chickens whatsoever keep them in, particularly if they're here on the south coast where there is a lot of sea birds.
"The risk here to the industry is far too big and it would be devastating if any of us actually got bird flu."
Mr Gelfs did however stress that he thinks this measure only works as a short-term solution.
He said: "Being free-range, once we go past 16 weeks being housed, at the moment we will lose our free-range status which will have a massive impact on our egg sales.
"It's a government order that's here for the welfare of the birds, it's not our fault or the fault of the birds so why should we lose free-range status?"