Avian Influenza Prevention Zone
England is in an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures.
For information on the latest situation regarding avian influenza in England see GOV.UK – Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England.
Information is now available about how to apply for an individual licence from the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) for a poultry gathering in England – see GOV.UK: Bird gatherings: apply for a specific licence for poultry. Licence applications must be submitted to APHA via email at least 10 days before the event takes place.
APHA can only grant bird gathering licences if the gathering and the transport of birds to and from it would not significantly increase the risk of the spread of bird flu. Template Licence conditions are available at GOV.UK: Licence conditions: hold a poultry gathering to help organisers check they can meet the conditions that will apply.
A general licence is available for gatherings of other captive birds – see GOV.UK: Other captive birds: general licence to arrange a fair, market, show, exhibition or other gathering involving the collecting together of captive birds in England. Organisers must notify APHA of the gathering at least seven days before the event.
Summary information about holding a bird gathering in England can be found at GOV.UK: Hold a bird gathering in England.
As of 10 February 2025, gatherings of poultry are no longer permitted in Wales, however, gatherings of certain captive birds may continue.
Update to mandatory biosecurity measures
As of 22 September 2025, the AIPZ with mandatory biosecurity measures in England was updated to include:
- further clarity on the biosecurity measures for game bird rearers and shoot operators; and
- enhanced reporting requirements for all bird keepers where there are changes in morbidity, mortality or a reduction in egg production or feed and water intake.
To find out about the latest cases in our area, visit: GOV.UK – Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England. Check the avian influenza interactive map to see where restrictions are in place.
Avian influenza prevention zone: biosecurity measures
Stringent biosecurity measures will remain in place nationwide including measures such as cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds and, if practical, using disposable protective clothing.
Keepers should remain vigilant and practice stringent biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of their birds. Find out how to protect your birds in the government’s biosecurity guidance.
These measures apply to all bird keepers whether you have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in your garden and are essential to protect your birds from avian influenza. They will be in place until further notice and kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza.
Additional measures apply in disease control zones surrounding infected premises where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds.
Registration requirements for bird keepers in Great Britain
If you have up to 49 poultry or other kept birds, you must register them. This includes any birds you keep as pets. Find out more and register at GOV.UK – Register as a keeper of less than 50 poultry or other captive birds.
If you keep 50 or more poultry and other captive birds, you must register them. Visit GOV.UK – Poultry and other captive birds: registration rules and forms.
Changes to the avian influenza prevention zone for game bird keepers
Due to the recent increase in avian influenza cases in game birds and increasing risk of avian influenza, particularly in coastal counties, the AIPZ with mandatory biosecurity measures has been updated to include additional biosecurity measures for game bird rearers and shoot operators.
These are:
- Disinfect any vehicles upon first entry to the site and each day they are in use.
- Provide one feeding station per 60 released game birds.
- Clean feeding and watering stations daily to remove faecal matter, feathers and spilled feed.
- Cover feeding and, where possible, watering stations to avoid contamination from wild bird droppings.
- Avoid feeding placed pheasants in release pens within 50 metres of a water body frequented by ducks and other wildfowl.
- Avoid feeding placed game birds in release pens within 500 metres of any poultry or other kept birds.
- During the open season, check placed game birds in release pens daily for signs of avian influenza.
- Conduct a daily search of the area within and up to a 50 metre radius surrounding the perimeter of release pens for carcasses of dead game birds and dead wild birds.
- Report dead wild birds to Defra using the dead wild bird reporting tool and dispose of carcasses appropriately.
- Keep detailed records of all visitors to the site (including deliveries and collections).
These measures came into force from 26 August.
Spotting and reporting avian influenza
All bird keepers should continue good biosecurity practice and be vigilant for signs of disease to keep their birds safe from avian influenza.
To learn how to spot and report avian influenza, visit GOV.UK – Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot it and report it.
Find out more about the different clinical signs of avian influenza in this video with the Surrey Poultry Vet.
Avian influenza is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
The risk to public health from the virus is very low and properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat. Please do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find, but report them to Defra on 03459 33 55 77.