Bird owners in part of Rutland now face extra responsibilities after a confirmed case of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) near Melton Mowbray on Sunday evening.

DEFRA have now put in place two control zones – a 3km Protection Zone around the infected site which falls within the vicinity of Melton Mowbray, and a wider 10km Surveillance Zone around the infected site which crosses the border in to Rutland into the Whissendine area of the County.

Rutland County Council warns the Surveillance Zone places additional requirements on all bird keepers within that area, including movement restrictions.

These can be viewed within the Order.

Bird keepers in the Whissendine area of the County are urged to check the interactive map to see if their birds fall within the Surveillance Zone.

Coun Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: "It is really important that bird keepers in Rutland, particularly in Whissendine adhere to the additional requirements to protect their flock.

"These requirements are in addition to the National Avian Influenza Prevention Zone requirements that were introduced on 11th November for all bird keepers, large and small, in an effort to prevent the spread of Avian Influenza.

"Additional biosecurity guidance has now been published to support these national rules and bird keepers are being asked to complete a biosecurity self-assessment which should be made available to Government inspectors or Rutland County Council officers on request."

The measures mean bird keepers with 50 or more birds must register with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), but APHA are actively encouraging all bird keepers to register, even if they have less than 50 birds, as it enables them to keep you up to date with Avian Influenza developments.

People can also can also sign up to DEFRA's animal disease text alert service.

Last week, the council warned a prevention zone had been put in place across the whole of the country, following several bird flu outbreaks.

For further information, visit: www.rutland.gov.uk/avianinfluenza