With the recent rise in Avian Influenza (bird flu) cases across the UK, new housing and biosecurity rules are being introduced to protect poultry and captive birds.
From 00:01 on Thursday, 30th October, a regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will come into force across parts of northern and eastern England.
If you keep chickens, ducks, geese, or other birds, it's vital to understand what this means and how to prepare.
Where the new housing measures apply
The housing order applies to bird keepers in:
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, and West Yorkshire
If you're in one of these areas and keep any number of birds, even a small backyard flock, and sell or give away eggs, meat, or live birds, you'll need to house your flock.
Why housing orders matter
Housing orders are a proven way to stop Avian Influenza spreading.
Wild birds are the main carriers of the virus, so keeping your birds enclosed helps protect them from infection.
Ideally, your birds should be kept:
- In a fully enclosed coop or building, or
- In a secure outdoor run covered with tarpaulin or fine mesh to stop wild birds from entering
Keep feed and water under cover, and avoid feeding wild birds nearby.
These simple steps make a huge difference to your flock’s safety.
Making indoor housing comfortable
Housing can be stressful for your birds, especially if they're used to free-ranging. Stress can lead to behavioural issues, including feather pecking.
To keep your birds happy and calm, introduce enrichment activities before the housing order begins.
Here are some ideas to get started:
- Scatter edible treats on the floor for foraging
- Hang a cabbage or other treat on a string
- Add grit to litter or the ground
- Hang old CDs for light reflection
- Include perches and platforms for climbing
- Rotate enrichment regularly to prevent boredom
Remember: Treats should make up no more than 5% of your birds' diet, and it's illegal to feed kitchen scraps to your flock.
If feather pecking becomes an issue, use Anti-Peck to help while you continue to enrich their environment.
Biosecurity: Simple steps to keep your flock safe
Vet Ben South explains:
"We’ve seen a rise in Avian Influenza cases and maintaining simple biosecurity at home gives your flock the best chance of staying healthy.”
Follow these biosecurity basics:,
1. Zoning
Create three clear areas:
- Dirty zone: Outside your birds’ area
- Intermediate zone: Where you change footwear or clothing
- Clean zone: Your birds’ living area, with dedicated footwear
2. Disinfecting
- Use a DEFRA-approved disinfectant like BioVX
- Clean droppings and bedding weekly
- Deep clean the coop monthly using disinfectant
3. PPE & Hygiene
- Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling birds
- Limit visitors and avoid visiting other poultry sites
Watch for signs of Avian Influenza
Even with strict biosecurity, it's essential to stay alert for symptoms of bird flu. Contact your vet or the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) immediately if you notice:
- Diarrhoea
- Laboured breathing
- Facial swelling
- Nervous signs
- Dullness
- Nasal discharge ("snicking")
- Bruising on legs
APHA Contacts:
- England: 03000 200 301
- Wales: 03003 038 268
- Scotland: Contact your local Field Service Office
Do not move your birds if you suspect they are infected with Avian Influenza.
Stay informed and prepared
Avian Influenza remains one of the most serious threats to UK poultry.
By housing your birds, practising good biosecurity, and watching for early warning signs, you'll play a crucial role in preventing further outbreaks.
Stay updated with announcements, and check official advice regularly to ensure your flock remains safe and compliant. The most up to date information can be found HERE
Popular questions from chicken keepers
Why has a regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) been introduced?
The AIPZ has been introduced due to increased findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza (commonly known as bird flu) in wild birds and new cases in poultry and kept birds, coupled with heightened risk levels.
When do the new poultry housing measures start?
The poultry housing measures begin at 00.01 am, 30th October 2025.
Which areas are affected by the Avian Influenza housing order?
The housing order applies to a number of high-risk counties in the North and East. Defra’s interactive map show exactly where these measure apply.
Who needs to follow the new AIPZ rules — do they apply to small backyard flocks?
If you’re in one of the areas listed and keep any number of birds—even a small backyard flock—and sell or give away eggs, meat, or live birds, you’ll need to house your flock.
