THE Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has introduced an avian flu prevention zone across the whole of England following the disease being found in wild flocks.

The disease was found in the south of the UK and all keepers of birds,regardless of flock size, should follow the disease prevention measures.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesman said: "If you keep birds then you can continue to allow your birds outdoors into fenced areas, but only if these areas meet certain conditions.

"This includes you have made the areas unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources, you have taken action to reduce any existing contamination, such as cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas and you have assessed the risk of birds coming into contact with wild birds or contamination from them.

"If you keep more than 500 birds, you must take some extra biosecurity measures.

"They include identifying clearly defined areas where access by non-essential people and vehicles is restricted, and cleaning and disinfecting vehicles, equipment and footwear."