According to Defra the UK has recently announced freedom from highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The nationwide announcement has since been revised and confirmed by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Since October 2021 the UK has witnessed the largest outbreak of bird flu to date with more than 360 confirmed cases, with the last confirmed case on February 14, 2024.

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This outcome leads on from freedom of bird flu in Northern Ireland during March 2023.

The risk to poultry is now ‘low’ across the UK, with wild birds throughout the country and Europe still carrying low levels of bird flu.

Areas of Europe are undergoing continued outbreaks within poultry flocks and other captive birds.

Defra states: “Avian influenza is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds, you must report it immediately.

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“In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.

"Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find and instead report them.

Defra has also recently stated compulsory registrations for all bird keepers as part of a new measure to combat further avian influenza outbreaks.

Regardless of the size of their flock, there will be new changes for all bird keepers with one measuring including the official registration of their birds.

Current legislation dictates that only those who keep 50 or more poultry must do so.

Owners will need to provide information including their contact details, the location where birds are kept and details of the birds, such as species, number and what they are kept for.

In England and Wales, keepers have until October 1, 2024 to register, while in Scotland, the deadline is September 1.

Keepers will also be legally required to update their information on an yearly basis.