TEIGNBRIDGE people have been warned that from today, Monday, anyone who keeps birds is legally required to house them indoors.

The advice has been issued by Devon County Council as the Government has introduced stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from avian influenza (bird flu).

The order applies regardless of type or size of the flock, from large businesses, and small holders to people who keep a few bird in their garden.

It’s because over the last year, the UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu, with over 200 cases confirmed since late October 2021. The introduction of the housing measures comes after the disease was detected at over 70 premises since the beginning of October, as well as multiple reports in wild birds.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) continue to advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low, but people should not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that they find.

The Food Standards Agency advice remains unchanged, that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers and that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.