A strain of avian flu that has infected humans in the past, H5N1, have been confirmed in Scotland and England in recent weeks. The widespread effect of the outbreak has prompted the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to extend protection, surveillance and mandatory housing orders across the two countries.

A bird flu prevention zone enforcing strict hygiene standards around domesticated birds has been declared for the whole of England. A rising number of cases and risk avian influenza poses to wild birds led to the decision,

A national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone came into force across England and Scotland at noon on Saturday as Defra announced it is a legal requirement for bird keepers to follow strict rules