Poultry keepers across England have been ordered to keep their birds indoors for a second consecutive winter in response to rising cases of avian flu, including one in East Yorkshire.

An England-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone with mandatory biosecurity measures has also been declared, coming into force immediately.

From Friday anyone with 50 or more birds must house them indoors. Bird keepers – including those with just a few chickens - must take extras precautions including disinfecting footwear, cages and concrete walkways.

It came after highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry near Pocklington on Saturday.

A mandatory housing order for keepers of more than 50 birds has been imposed across England

placeholder image — A mandatory housing order for keepers of more than 50 birds has been imposed across England

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone was declared around the premises and the flock was due to be culled.

The strain responsible for the current global outbreak emerged in 2020, first reaching the UK in summer 2021. HPAI strains are deadly to domestic poultry and can wipe out entire flocks within a matter of days.

The last mandatory housing order was only lifted in April.

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss urged birdkeepers to report suspected cases immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

She said: “Having avian influenza confirmed in your flock can be devastating, I understand the impact this disease can have on the poultry sector and am extremely grateful for the continued cooperation of the industry.”