Poultry keepers have been told to keep birds inside until the end of February as outbreaks of avian flu have been confirmed in the UK.

The government’s chief veterinary officer declared a Prevention Zone in December and owners were advised to keep birds inside for 30 days in an effort to protect poultry from a highly infectious strain, H5N8, which had affected farms in Europe and been detected in wild ducks in northern France.

But after outbreaks were confirmed in captive birds in Lincolnshire and Wales and in wild birds across the UK, owners are now being told to keep their birds inside until February 28.

Chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said: "The Prevention Zone means anyone who keeps poultry such as chickens, ducks and geese, even as pets, must take action to stop them coming into contact with wild birds to protect them from avian flu.

"Birds should be moved into a suitable building, or if that isn’t possible owners must take sensible precautions to keep them away from wild birds, like putting up netting to create a temporary enclosure and keeping food and water supplies inside where they cannot be contaminated by wild birds.

"Even when birds are kept indoors a risk of infection remains so keepers must also practice good biosecurity, for example by disinfecting footwear and equipment and washing clothing after contact with birds."

Keepers of poultry and other captive birds must continue to keep their birds indoors, or take practical steps to keep them separate from wild birds.

"Anyone who keeps poultry such as chickens, ducks and geese, even as pets, must take action to stop them coming into contact with wild birds" - Nigel Gibbens

The zone covers England and similar declarations have been made in Scotland and Wales. There is also a GB-wide ban on poultry shows and gatherings.

Public Health England advises that the risk to public health remains very low and the Food Standards Agency is clear that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

Mr Gibbens added: "Recent H5N8 avian flu findings in wild birds and a backyard flock in Wales highlight just how essential it is to minimise contact between wild and captive birds and maintain good biosecurity to reduce the risk of infection.

"We must continue to be vigilant and do all we can to protect against this highly pathogenic strain of the disease, which is why we are extending the Prevention Zone, have introduced a ban on poultry gatherings and continue to strengthen surveillance to understand the extent of infection in wild birds."

When the zone was originally declared back in December, Amey Evans, who keep 34 chickens at Happy Pants Ranch animal sanctuary in Rainham, said it was “awful” having to keep her chickens locked up.

She said: "I’ve got a large walk-in run but I like my chickens to free-range as much as possible. I feel bad normally if I don’t let them out for two days."

She said some poultry keepers wouldn’t have the capacity to keep their chickens indoors, but that she would be sticking to the guidelines even if it meant having to go the extra mile to entertain her cooped-up hens.

She added: “I want to keep my flock, so if people want to let their chickens out it’s at their own risk. It’s a deadly virus so it will wipe out your whole flock.

“I’m going to have to provide extra food and objects like mirrors and hanging CDs to keep them amused.”

Members of the public are asked to call the Defra helpline - 03459 335577 - if they find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location.