Avian influenza (bird flu) mainly affects birds. It can also affect humans and other mammals.

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Update 14 December 2020: The Chief Veterinary Officers for Scotland, England and Wales have introduced new measures to help protect poultry and captive birds. The new housing measures announced on 03 December 2020, are in force from 14 December 2020, and mean it is a legal requirement for all poultry and other captive birds to be housed or otherwise kept separate from wild birds, and for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease. The decision to implement the housing measures from 00:01 am on 14 December 2020, in addition to the current AIPZ measures, has been made in light of evidence from the continent and ongoing high numbers of avian influenza findings among wild bird populations in England. The risk of incursion of avian influenza has been increased to very high for wild birds, medium for poultry with high biosecurity, and high for poultry with poor biosecurity. Further details on the evidence that supported these decisions can be found in our risk assessments.”

These measures build on the strengthened biosecurity measures that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) on 11 November 2020.

These biosecurity precautions apply just as much if you only have a few birds as pets, or if you have a large commercial flock. An outbreak of avian influenza in back garden chickens results in the same restrictions on movement of birds. It has the same impact on farmers and trade in poultry as an outbreak on a commercial farm would have. Good biosecurity improves the overall health and productivity of your flock by helping keep out poultry diseases, such as avian influenza, and limiting the spread of disease in an outbreak.

Further details of the measures that apply in the AIPZ can be found in the AIPZ declaration, which comes into effect on 14 December, and our biosecurity guidance.

To assist all bird keepers, we will be shortly updating the biosecurity guidance and have published a new self-assessment biosecurity checklist to help ensure you comply with the new measures within the avian influenza prevention.

Government Chief Veterinary Officers are encouraging bird keepers to use the days leading up to 14 December to prepare for new housing measures, including taking steps to safeguard animal welfare, consult their vet, and where necessary put up additional housing.

The decision to implement the housing measures from 12:01 am on 14 December 2020, in addition to the current AIPZ measures, has been made in light of evidence from the continent and ongoing high numbers of avian influenza findings among wild bird populations in England. The risk of incursion of avian influenza has been increased to very high for wild birds, medium for poultry with high biosecurity, and high for poultry with poor biosecurity. Further details on the evidence that supported these decisions can be found in our risk assessments.

All bird gatherings within the prevention zone are prohibited. Therefore, the general licence that had permitted bird gatherings has been revoked.

Source & More details here Scottish Government