Posted on: 27 January 2025
In response to the escalating number of cases of avian influenza and continued heightened risk levels in wild birds, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures came into force across all of England and Scotland at noon on Saturday 25 January 2025.
The move will require keepers to conduct enhanced biosecurity to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease. This includes 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.
In addition, the regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) which includes mandatory housing alongside biosecurity measures has today been extended to include the unitary authorities of North Yorkshire and York and a new area covering Shropshire. All bird keepers in these areas must keep their birds housed to protect them from bird flu and applies to pet birds, commercial flocks and just a few birds in a backyard flock.
Check the avian influenza interactive map to see where restrictions are in place.
Keepers are encouraged to take action to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading including the legal requirement to sign up to the poultry register even if you just keep one pet chicken https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-as-a-keeper-of-less-than-50-poultry-or-other-captive-birds
Be vigilant for signs of disease and report it to keep your birds safe. For further information on the latest situation and guidance to help bird keepers comply with the new rules, visit gov.uk/birdflu