Poultry farmers are being warned to keep their birds secure - after an outbreak of avian influenza was confirmed in the UK.

The H5N8 strain of the disease has been found in wild and farmed birds in the UK, so far in Wyre, Lancashire, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire, Settle, North Yorkshire and Carmarthenshire, Wales.

To limit the spread of the disease restrictions have been put in place, and keepers of poultry are now required by law to house the birds to keep them separate from wild birds.

This is because a prevention zone is currently in force across the UK, and will remain in place until February 28.

Gatherings of poultry are also banned, and keepers are required to take steps to reduce the risk of infection via the environment, for example through wild bird droppings and by practising good biosecurity.

Nigel Gibbens, chief veterinary officer, said: "The Government has taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease, with restrictions around affected premises and wider measures in place across the country.

"To reduce the risk of bird flu spreading from bird to bird there is currently a legal requirement for all poultry keepers - even those who just keep a few birds as pets - to keep their birds housed or otherwise separate from wild birds.

"There is also a ban on poultry gatherings.

"Bird flu is also transmitted via the environment, for example in wild bird droppings, and it is vital that keepers practice strict biosecurity.

"This means taking precautions such as putting up netting, keeping food and water inside and disinfecting footwear and equipment after contact with birds."