Bird housing measures have been introduced following an escalating number of confirmed cases of avian influenza, otherwise known as bird flu.
The mandatory housing order that was brought in yesterday (Thursday 6 November 2025) requires bird keepers across the whole of England to house all poultry and captive birds if they keep more than 50 (except in specific circumstances e.g. some zoo birds) or if they sell or give eggs away
Following two confirmed cases of Avian Influenza last month in the Penrtih area, all bird keepers within the 3km (1.8 miles) protection zone must continue to house their birds regardless of flock size.
A GB wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is also in place and requires all keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock to undertake enhanced biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease.
These enhanced biosecurity measures include reporting of changes in egg production, mandatory record keeping, disinfecting footwear, and cleansing & disinfecting housing and concrete walkways on a continuous basis.
Further information on the latest situation and guidance to help bird keepers comply with the new rules is available via gov.uk/birdflu,
You can check if you’re in a bird flu disease zone on the map and check the declarations for details of the restrictions and gov.uk/birdflu for further advice and information.
The current risk to human health remains low and as standard, properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
The housing order and AIPZ will be 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.
Members of the public should not touch or move dead wild birds and should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
