Helpful tips to keep your hens safe from flu

From 18 January 2018, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone applies to everyone who keeps poultry or captive birds in England. From 25 January 2018 there’s a similar Prevention Zone in Wales.

Here’s some helpful tips:

1. Place your birds’ food and water in fully enclosed areas that are protected from wild birds, and remove any spilled feed regularly.
2. Keep your equipment clean and tidy and regularly disinfect hard surfaces. Use disinfectant such as Virkon.
3. Clean footwear before and after visiting your birds
4. Ensure clothing that you use when handling your chickens is washed after contact.
5. Use Run Covers
6. Keep moveable coops in the same place – If coops are moving to fresh ground there is more chance of coming into contact with wild bird faeces.
7. Keep a close eye on your chickens. If you have any signs of illness, seek advice from a qualified vet.

For further information please read the Government Guidelines here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#prevention-zone