An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity is now in place across England in response to an increased bird flu risk.
This means that all bird keepers are legally required to follow stringent biosecurity measures to protect poultry and captive birds.
Whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock, owners must undertake enhanced biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease.
There are currently no cases in Hartlepool.
There's more information on biosecurity measures at Bird flu (avian influenza): how to prevent it and stop it spreading - GOV.UK
In addition, a mandatory poultry housing order covering the whole of England will come into force on Friday (13 November) in response to the increased risk and escalating number of confirmations of highly pathogenic avian influenza in kept birds, and findings in wild birds.
Bird keepers must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep 50 or more birds or if they sell or give eggs, poultry products and live birds away.
Find out more about the order at National Housing Order declared to protect birds from Avian Influenza - GOV.UK