As you will probably be aware outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N8) have been confirmed in poultry and wild birds in several countries across Europe.

The mandatory housing order includes the following sentence:

Keepers of poultry and other captive birds are now required to keep their birds indoors, or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds.

Wherever possible birds should be housed. Where this is not feasible or if a keeper feels that welfare would be compromised then the part in bold could kick in – ie you do what you can.  Pigeon or fruit netting may also be considered appropriate but check with your local vet or you can ring APHA  03000 200 301 for advice.

A sensible and proportionate attempt to keep small groups of birds as isolated as possible would seem advisable.

Please follow the link below to the DEFRA website where they offer guidance and advice on the outbreak the 30 day prevention zone.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-measures-to-protect-poultry-against-avian-flu