Amid the UK’s largest ever bird flu outbreak, no cases have been reported in Hertfordshire and the council are keen to keep it that way.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have introduced measures across the country to stop the spread of the virus, which poses a very low risk to human health.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone has been brought in across the UK to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading among poultry and captive birds, with it now a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict bio-security measures.

More than 190 cases have been confirmed since late October 2021, with over 30 of these confirmed since the beginning of this month.

None have been in Hertfordshire though, and the county council is urging anyone who keeps chickens, geese or poultry to register their flocks.

“So far there have been no confirmed cases of Avian flu in birds in Hertfordshire and we want to keep it that way,” said a Hertfordshire County Council spokesperson.

“We’re calling on everyone who keeps chickens, geese or other poultry to register their flocks and introduce the bio-security requirements to limit the risk of spreading this disease.

“Following the recent announcement of a nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, keepers of registered flocks have been written to by the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the county council is encouraging all keepers of poultry to register with the APHA to receive the latest updates and guidance.”

If a case is confirmed in the county, measures will be introduced to stop the spread of bird flu.

“If a case is confirmed in Hertfordshire, our officers will provide local support to the Animal and Plant Health Agency in taking steps to contain this disease,” the spokesperson added.

“These measures will most likely include establishment of a 3km protection zone with road signage around the perimeter, contact with residents and businesses inside the zone to identify relevant keepers, and establishment of a wider, 10km, surveillance zone.”

Poultry keepers should register their flocks at www.gov.uk/government/publications/poultry-including-game-birds-registration-rules-and-forms.