Backyard poultry keepers have been urged to follow the letter of the regulation as new controls aimed at halting the spread of bird flu come into force across the south-west.

Defra has declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone across the region, covering Cornwall, Devon, and the whole of Somerset West and Taunton Council’s area.

And local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger says the rules must be rigidly observed by amateur as well as professional poultry keepers.

“Unfortunately there is evidence that when we have had previous outbreaks people with a few hens in the back garden or down at the allotment have concluded that the rules don’t apply to them,” he said.

“But every flock, however small, can become a weak link in the chain of protection if the rules are not respected and observed,” he said.

With the UK facing its largest-ever outbreak of the disease - more than 130 cases have been confirmed since late October - Defra imposed the AIPZ at noon yesterday (Wednesday) following nine bird flu cases detected in poultry and sea birds across the region.