Mandatory poultry housing declared in England, Avian Influenza Prevention Zone in force on Friday 13th November 2026.
In response to the increased avian influenza risk, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity is now in place across England and Scotland.
It is now a legal requirement for all bird keepers in England and Scotland to follow stringent biosecurity measures to protect poultry and captive birds.
This requires all keepers in England and Scotland, 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. Please also see the biosecurity guidance on GOV.UK for more information.
National Housing Order declared to protect birds from Avian Influenza
A mandatory poultry housing Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to cover the whole of England will also come into force from 00:01 on Friday 13th November 2026, following the increased risk and escalating number of confirmations of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or bird flu) in kept birds and findings in wild birds.
The new measures mean bird keepers across the whole of England must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep 50 or more birds or if they sell or give eggs, poultry products and live birds away. Please see the press release on GOV.UK for more information.
Please check the disease control zones on the bird flu disease zone map to see what restrictions are in place and find out how to house your birds safely.
Contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) should you require any further information.
Published: 11th November 2026
