The National Farmers Union is urging all poultry keepers to put in place appropriate measures to house their birds, as Defra announces new housing rules will be in place in Great Britain from next Monday (December 14).

NFU chief poultry adviser Aimee Mahony said: “Due to a number of confirmed Avian Influenza cases, the introduction of these new housing measures is a logical next step to best protect poultry.

“Giving poultry keepers notice of these new measures will allow them to prepare and implement them to the best of their ability.”

Ms Mahoney added: “These new measures mean that every poultry keeper, whether you have one hen in the garden or a large poultry business, must house their birds indoors and I would urge everyone with poultry to take these measures seriously.

“It’s crucial that everyone remains vigilant and reports any signs of disease in their birds at the earliest opportunity.”