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The avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures has been updated to include additional biosecurity measures for game bird rearers and shoot operators. These include the requirement to cleanse and disinfect vehicles and footwear, a requirement to collect and report dead birds found in the vicinity of release pens and measures to prevent access to feeders and drinkers by wild birds. These measures come into force from 26 August.

Mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds will start to be lifted across England from 00:01 on Thursday 15 May 2025 and birds can be kept outside unless they are in a Protection Zone or Captive Bird Monitoring (Controlled) Zone. Mandatory stringent biosecurity measures will remain in place nationwide. There will be a 7- day transition period from 00:01 15 May 2025 until 00:01 22 May 2025 during which, where necessary, previously housed birds must be released gradually to minimise welfare issues. Those who intend to allow their birds outside are advised to use the upcoming days to prepare their outside areas for the safe release of their birds . This will include cleansing and disinfection of hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroduction of wild bird deterrents. The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) mandating strict biosecurity will remain in place in England, Scotland and Wales until further notice. Bird gatherings also remain banned. This will be kept under regular review as part of the government鈥檚 work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza.

The list of counties and unitary authorities has been amended.

From 00:01 on 7 April 2025 the avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) housing measures have been extended to cover County Durham, Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyneside in addition to Cheshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, the East Riding of Yorkshire, Herefordshire, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Norfolk, Suffolk, Shropshire, Worcestershire, York and North Yorkshire. The England wide AIPZ mandating enhanced biosecurity in all other counties remains in force. The AIPZ measures apply to all bird keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock and are essential to protecting flocks from avian influenza. The AIPZ will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review as part of the government鈥檚 work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza. Bird keepers should use the interactive map to check if they are in an area where they must house their birds and then read the AIPZ declaration schedule relevant to their area.

Updated the example template you can use to get an exemption from housing your birds in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) in England.

Updated the AIPZ housing measures exemption form.

From 00:01 on 16 February 2025 the avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) housing measures have been extended to cover Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire in addition to the East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Shropshire, York and North Yorkshire. The England wide AIPZ mandating enhanced biosecurity in all other counties remains in force. The AIPZ measures apply to all bird keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock and are essential to protecting flocks from avian influenza. The AIPZ will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review as part of the government鈥檚 work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza. Bird keepers should use the interactive map to check if they are in an area where they must house their birds and then read the AIPZ declaration schedule relevant to their area.

Keepers of anseriformes (such as ducks, geese, swans), ratites (such as ostriches and rheas) or poultry kept for restocking of game may be eligible for an exemption from avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) housing measures for welfare reasons. Exemption application form added to page.

In response to the escalating number of cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza and continued heightened risk levels to protect the health and welfare of flocks, the avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) is being extended to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease. This means that from 00:01 on Monday 27 January the AIPZ mandating enhanced biosecurity and housing for kept birds currently in force across East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk will be extended to also include the unitary authorities of Shropshire, York and North Yorkshire. In addition, an AIPZ mandating enhanced biosecurity but without mandatory housing will come into force from noon on Saturday 25 January across all other areas of England. The AIPZ measures apply to all bird keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock and are essential to protecting flocks from avian influenza.

There have been further findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry and other captive birds in Norfolk, the East Riding of Yorkshire and a further increase in the assessed risk of HPAI in wild birds and poultry. A regional avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity and housing measures has been declared in the unitary authorities of the East Riding of Yorkshire, the City of Kingston upon Hull and across all districts in Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

First published.