CONFUSION was sparked in Swindon when hundreds received letters warning them of measures needed to combat the spread of bird flu.
But now the department responsible has confirmed the town is in a preventention zone for the disease.
A higly pathogenic version of bird flu (H5N1) was confirmed at a premises near Highworth but following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance within the area, the end of the 3km Protection Zone and the withdrawal of the 10km Surveillance Zone took place on January 29.
READ MORE: Hundreds receive bird flu warning letters in Swindon
The letters, which dropped on the doormats of people across the town - many of whom said they didn't own birds - caused alarm because it was believed that the avian influenza outbreak in the area had been resolved.
But, the Department For Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed some measures remain in place across Swindon and the UK, hence the correspondence.
"While the disease control zones have been lifted surrounding the premises, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) including housing measures remains in force in this area and across the UK. Letters were recently sent to inform residents about biosecurity measures," a spokesperson from the government said.
"The AIPZ measures mean that it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK (whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) to keep their birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease."
The risk of infection in wild birds is currently rated as 'very high' in England and 'high' in Wales and Scotland, while poultry is assessed as 'medium', or 'high' if biosecurity is not applied.
All bird keepers are encouraged to maintain high standards of biosecurity as good practice for the health of their birds, and that good biosecurity is an essential defense against diseases such as avian influenza and is key to limiting the spread of avian influenza in an outbreak.
Keepers must keep a close watch on their birds for any signs of disease and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns.
Clinical signs indicative of avian influenza must be reported in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. Failure to do so is an offence.
Biosecurity guidance and information on the latest avian influenza situation are available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
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