For information on the latest situation regarding avian influenza in England including the ban on bird gatherings, see GOV.UK – Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England.
Following ongoing monitoring using the latest scientific evidence and risk assessment, bird flu risk levels have been reduced.
Therefore, mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds were lifted across England from 00:01 on Thursday 15 May 2025. Birds can be kept outside unless they are in a Protection Zone or Captive Bird Monitoring (Controlled) Zone. Mandatory stringent biosecurity measures will remain in place nationwide.
The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) remains in place in England and strict biosecurity is still mandatory, 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.
Bird gatherings remain banned.
Check the avian influenza interactive map to see where restrictions are in place.
New 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.
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.
Keep up to date on the latest situation at GOV.UK – Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England.
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.