New Housing Measures for Poultry and Captive Birds in Response to Bird Flu Risk
- Rob Beeson
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has announced mandatory housing requirements for poultry and captive birds across large parts of England in response to rising cases of avian influenza. These measures take effect from 30 October 2025 and are designed to protect flocks during the high-risk winter period.
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Overview of the New Measures
The government has introduced an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone with housing requirements following increased detections of bird flu in wild birds and new outbreaks in domestic flocks. The heightened risk during winter means stronger action is now needed to prevent further spread of this devastating disease.
Bird keepers in affected areas with more than 50 birds, or anyone who sells or gives away poultry products, must now house their birds indoors. This requirement does not apply to hobby keepers with smaller flocks.
Areas Affected
The housing measures apply to the following counties and unitary authorities in the north, central and parts of east England:
Cheshire
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Greater Manchester
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
Merseyside
Norfolk
North Yorkshire
Northumberland
Nottinghamshire
Rutland
Shropshire
South Yorkshire
Staffordshire
Suffolk
Tyne & Wear
West Yorkshire
Keepers should check whether their location falls within an affected zone using the official government mapping tool.
Who the Rules Apply To
Must house birds:
Keepers with more than 50 birds
Anyone who sells or gives away eggs or poultry products
Exempt from housing requirements:
Hobby keepers with fewer than 50 birds who do not sell products
Certain specialist circumstances, such as zoo birds
The increased biosecurity risk from trading poultry products and the associated vehicle movements is the reason for including commercial operations and those selling eggs.
Key Biosecurity Steps for All Bird Keepers
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone remains in force across all of Great Britain, meaning enhanced biosecurity measures apply to every bird keeper in England, regardless of flock size. These essential steps include:
Keep all feed and bedding stored indoors
Clean and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with birds
Use disposable protective clothing where practical
Limit movement of people, vehicles and equipment to areas where birds are kept
Implement effective vermin control measures
Clean and disinfect housing and concrete walkways regularly
Maintain fresh disinfectant at the correct concentration at all entry and exit points
Make your premises unattractive to wild birds using scarers, foils or streamers
Keep accurate records and report any changes in egg production
Remain vigilant for signs of disease
Anyone who suspects avian influenza in their flock must report it immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
What This Means for Rural Communities
Bird flu can have serious consequences for both commercial poultry farmers and small-scale keepers. The disease causes significant welfare issues for infected birds and can threaten the livelihoods of those who depend on poultry farming.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss has emphasised the need for prompt action, noting that cases are appearing across both commercial farms and backyard flocks throughout England. Industry representatives from the British Poultry Council and British Egg Industry Council have welcomed the measures as necessary protection during this high-risk period.
Human Health and Food Safety
The risk to human health remains very low. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are completely safe to eat. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
When and How Long
The housing measures take effect from 00:01 on 30 October 2025 and will remain in place until further notice. The government will review the requirements regularly based on disease surveillance and risk levels.
These measures are designed to limit the spread of bird flu during the high-risk winter period and protect poultry health across England. All bird keepers should act now to ensure they understand and comply with the requirements that apply to them.
Further Guidance
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