11 November 2026: avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) in force
An avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures covering all of England has been declared from 9am 11 November 2026.
All keepers of poultry and other captive birds, including pet birds, in England and Scotland must comply with the minimum biosecurity measures in Schedule 1 to the Declaration of Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (England) – mandatory biosecurity. measures
All bird keepers should also continue to take steps to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading and be vigilant for signs of disease.
Our understanding of the rules are summarised below, for full compliance please visit the government website
Our summary points for back garden poultry keepers, taken from the Declaration of Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (England) – mandatory biosecurity measures – Schedule 1 – Minimum biosecurity measures applying to all keepers…
Take practical and appropriate steps to:
1.
- cleanse and disinfect footwear before and after attending to your poultry
- use a foot-dip containing a Defra approved disinfectant when entering and exiting your poultry pen
- store feed, water and bedding under cover
- do not have contact with poultry on a neighbouring property
- carry out effective vermin control
- only attend to poultry when essential or official… ???!!! (saying hello is an essential health check!!)
- keep records of people coming into direct contact with your hens
2.
- keep records of poultry and egg movements and make them available to an inspector on demand
- keep a record of the name and addresses of the persons to whom eggs have been sold or gifted
3.
- keep records of any poultry deaths
4.
- take appropriate and practical steps to ensure buildings are maintained
- take appropriate and practical steps to ensure ducks and geese are not kept in the same pen as other bird species (your hens)
5.
- Immediately report to APHA any increased morbidity, mortality, or significant drop in egg production
Further links to Defra pages:
Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England
Bird flu (avian influenza): how to prevent it and stop it spreading: guidance for the Nationwide AIPZ
Which measures apply to your area? check the interactive map and read the AIPZ declaration schedule relevant to your area.
Register as a keeper of:
- Tags:
- bird flu
