Warnings about Avian Flu have been issued The new housing measures build on the strengthened biosecurity regulations that are already in place. New guidance from DEFRA states that birds must be housed where possible and bird keepers must follow strict biosecurity measures including cleansing and disinfecting all clothing, footwear and equipment that comes into contact with wild and domestic birds. This follows new cases of Avian Flu in wild and captive birds in parts of the UK. West Sussex includes areas that are deemed higher risk areas due to the number of estuaries and wetlands used by wild birds. Poultry owners should watch out for signs that their birds have been infected. The main symptoms of Avian Flu include a swollen head, blue discolouration of the neck and throat, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and respiratory distress (e.g. coughing and sneezing).