²ÝÁñÉçÇø in the north, east, and central areas of England must keep their poultry housed as of Thursday, October 30. This is the latest update to the rules aiming to combat avian influenza, from the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss.
The update to the Great Britain-wide existing Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) comes as a response to a recent increase in cases of the disease, which reached 10 for the season this week.Ìý
Affected counties
Counties subject to the new mandatory housing measures include: 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.
Defra said these measures do not apply to hobby farmers, only affecting those keepers with over 50 birds. Those with less than 50 birds are exempt unless eggs are sold or given away, in which case housing measures apply due to the increased risk of transmission from vehicle movements.Ìý
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:Ìý"The risk of avian flu is seasonally very high which is why we are introducing these measures to help protect livelihoods and animal welfare.
"There is an increasing number of avian influenza cases on commercial farms and in backyard flocks across various counties across England. Prompt action to try and prevent the further spread of disease is now necessary and I would urge bird keepers to comply with the new housing measures."
Chief executive of the British Poultry Council (BPC) Richard Griffiths said the BPC welcomed the announcement of a regional housing order, as cases were continuing to rise and the risk would only increase as the winter period approaches.Ìý
"Defra must continue to monitor the situation closely and stand ready to extend the housing order if the risk increases,' he continued.Ìý
Nick Allen, CEO of the British Egg Industry Council said: "The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) fully supports the introduction of a regional housing order for all poultry and captive birds, following the increased risk of avian influenza. This precautionary measure is vital to safeguard the health and welfare of laying hens, alongside the robust biosecurity measures that farms have in place during this period."
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Northern Ireland
The Ulster ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Union has informed keepers in Northern Ireland that theÌýAvian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will apply to them, as of November 1, 2025. This follows a recent case of avian influenza in County Tyrone.Ìý
There are no current housing measures included in this AIPZ for keepers in Northern Ireland, though farmers have been urged to maintain 'good farm hygiene' and to follow the new rules on cleansing and disinfection.Ìý
UFU deputy president, Glenn Cuddy said:Ìý"Take heed of advice provided by DAERA and be aware of the symptoms of avian influenza which can include, high mortalities in a flock, depression, lethargy and respiratory distress.
"Safeguard your poultry business from the devastating effects [of the disease] by remaining vigilant and acting cautiously."
Cases
New cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 have been confirmed in several parts of England and Wales, as the number of outbreaks continues to rise through October.
According to Defra's latest update, the most recent case was confirmed on October 27 in other captive birds at a premises near Newington, Swale, Kent, with a 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone now in place.
In the last week, Defra has also confirmed outbreaks in poultry near Lakenheath, West Suffolk; Bedale, North Yorkshire; Penrith, Cumbria; and Burscough, West Lancashire, where control zones have been declared.
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GB-wide mandatory biosecurity measures
The department said that Great Britain remains in an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), with the north, east and central areas of England also subject to housing measures.
The minimum biosecurity measures, which apply to all keepers, include:Ìý
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Clean and disinfect – Keep everything (equipment, vehicles, footwear) clean to stop disease spread.
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Use foot dips or change shoes – When going in or out of bird areas.
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Protect feed and bedding – Keep it covered and away from wild birds and rodents.
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Limit visitors and movements – Only essential people or vehicles near your birds; record who comes in.
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Control pests – Keep vermin out of bird areas.
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Keep records – Of bird/egg movements, deaths, and disposals.
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Keep housing in good repair – Fix leaks and stop contamination.
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Separate ducks/geese from other birds – Unless you're a zoo.
In total, there have been 10 recorded cases so far in the 2025/2026 outbreak season. This includes eight cases in England, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.
As of the latest update on October 27, Scotland remains free of the disease.
Rhug Estate
In Denbighshire at Rhug Estate, despite having no outbreak of avian influenza, the estate has temporarily closed its two farm walks after having been made aware of a potential outbreak in the locality.
The estate said it was ‘working closely with local and national veterinary authorities to monitor the situation closely and to implement biosecurity measures'.
"We want to assure the public that we are taking all necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of this situation."
"We encourage local bird keepers and residents to remain vigilant. If you observe any unusual behaviour or signs of illness in birds, please report it to your local veterinary services or the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately."
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