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22
Nov 2021
Harrogate district bird owners must keep birds indoors to tackle flu
The government has ordered bird owners in the Harrogate district to keep their birds indoors to limit the spread of avian influenza, or bird flu.
There is no evidence that the virus can affect humans but it is highly contagious among birds can wipe out poultry flocks. There have been several outbreaks across the country in recent days.
Harrogate joins Hambleton and Richmondshire as new prevention zones in North Yorkshire. It means it is now a legal requirement to keep birds in housing until further notice, whether you have a few hens or thousands.
The government's chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, said:
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