'This is difficult for free range farmers who have chickens roaming about'

Advice is being offered to all poultry producers, in particular to those who keep chickens outdoors.

Vice-chairman of the NFU's poultry board Chris Roach, who has a large poultry farm on the outskirts of York, said: "It is important for the small domestic keeper of chickens to be vigilant.

"They don't tend to be members of any federation and don't receive all the advice that large egg producers are given as a matter of course."

Poultry producers are advised to restrict the movement of people and vehicles on to their land as much as possible. They are also warned to keep livestock away from wild fowl and birds which could spread the disease. "I appreciate this is difficult for free range farmers, who have chickens roaming about the place and people driving on site to buy eggs," said Mr Roach.

"It is much easier for large scale producers because their birds are kept in a controlled environment.

"And it is likely that if bird flu comes close to this country, Defra may advise all farmers to keep birds indoors."

Exports of poultry products have been banned from Turkey, where the new H5N1 strain of bird flu was discovered, and also from Romania, where tests are still being carried out.

It is the first time the H5N1 virus - which can in rare cases passes between birds and humans - has been found in Europe.

Dr Debby Reynolds, Defra's chief vet, said: "There is a risk to the UK and this is a developing situation, which we are monitoring closely."

John Greenway, the Ryedale MP, speaking at the Council of Europe this week, also warned: "Farmers must have complete and absolute confidence that they will be compensated fully.

"Without that, they will not report disease and it will spread."

If there was a case of bird flu in the UK, a 10km exclusion zone would be set up in which there could be no movements of poultry.

In addition, all farmed birds within 3kms of the infected area would be slaughtered on site and there would be an export ban on the UK.

Farmers are being asked to keep a close watch on their birds and if there is a higher than normal mortality rate to report it to Defra. But the biggest threat of avian flu being brought to Britain is via migrating waterfowl, such as large flocks of geese.

Advice to farmers

Look out for symptoms: birds may die suddenly or show respiratory difficulties, swollen heads, dullness, drop in egg production and loss of appetite, or there may be no signs.

Restrict movement: flu is spread by contact with infected birds or their secretions, either directly or through objects, clothes or vehicles.

Biosecurity: limit the number of visitors to farms and disinfect vehicle wheels before going on site.

Stay clean: wash boots and hands between sheds, not just between farms.

Keep informed: contact your NFU branch for a farmers and growers pack offering detailed advice.

If you find infection: wear protective equipment, have a flu jab and take anti-viral therapy.

Updated: 10:01 Saturday, October 15, 2005