BIRD keepers have been reminded that bird flu is still a high risk in the area and are being urged by Cumbria Trading Standards to make sure they are following the guidelines.

The public body said on Facebook: "Please remember there is still an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone(AIPZ) in place across the whole of England which means all bird keepers (whether you have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) are required by law to take a range of biosecurity precautions including keeping your birds indoors."

According to Gov.uk, an AIPZ was declared across the whole of England effective from 5pm on November 11 2020 with additional housing measures in force from December 14.

As of January 7, local movement restrictions have been removed but the AIPZ measures remain in place. Failure to comply with the AIPZ may be an offence and subject to an unlimited fine on summary conviction and up to three months’ imprisonment.