Bird flu restrictions will come into force across England and Scotland this weekend due to rising numbers of cases.
The Avian influenza Prevention Zone, with mandatory biosecurity measures, will come into force from noon today, Saturday, January 25.
The Animal & Plant Agency said the zone was also being put in place because of new findings in wild birds.
A regional Avian influenza Prevention Zone, with mandatory biosecurity measures and mandatory housing, already in place for the East Riding of Yorkshire, the City of Kingston upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk is being extended to include North Yorkshire and York and a new area covering Shropshire from 12.01am on Monday January 27.
The measures apply to all bird keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock and are essential to protecting flocks from avian influenza, the agency said.
The current risk to human health remains low and as standard, properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
Bird keepers should but carry out measures including as cleansing and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – and if practical, use disposable protective clothing.
