As a result of recently confirmed cases of avian influenza, Great Britain is no longer free from highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Mandatory housing order for kept birds across England in place
In response to a rising number of avian influenza cases across England, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the whole of England is now under mandatory poultry housing measures.
Effective from 00:01am on 6 November 2025, these housing measures apply to all bird keepers across England. Anyone who owns more than 50 birds, or sells or gives away eggs or poultry products, must house their birds to reduce the risk of exposure to infected wild birds.
These measures are part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (APIZ) and are aimed at protecting both commercial and backyard flocks. All bird keepers are also required to follow enhanced biosecurity protocols, including regular disinfection, monitory for signs of disease, and maintaining details records.
While hobby keepers are exempt unless selling eggs or poultry produce, all affected keepers must adhere to strict biosecurity protocols, including regular disinfection and vigilant monitoring for signs of disease.
The AIPZ with mandatory housing measures will remain in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review as part of the government's work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza.
You are not permitted to hold bird gatherings of poultry, galliforme or anseriforme birds in England. This includes ducks, geese, swans, pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl.
Gatherings of all other types of birds are permitted provided you:
- follow and meet all the requirements of the captive bird gathering general licence
- notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) of the gathering at least 7 days before the event
- are not in a disease control zone
Find out more about the latest bird flu situation in England and guidance for bird keepers and the public.
Signs of avian influenza and how to report it
The signs of avian influenza and details of where to report suspected cases in poultry or other captive birds are on the DEFRA website.
Wild birds
You can report dead sick or injured wild birds or get advice on what to do with dead wild birds that are not collected for testing.
Register your flock
You must register within one month of keeping poultry or other captive birds at any premises in England or Wales. This includes any birds as pets. You are breaking the law if you do not register.
View the poultry registration forms.