UK vet chief orders mandatory poultry housing across England over bird flu

LONDON, Nov. 10 — The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has ordered mandatory housing of poultry and captive birds across England from 00:01 on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, following an escalating number of confirmations of highly pathogenic avian influenza in kept birds and findings in wild birds.²

The housing requirement covers keepers of 50 or more birds, except in specific circumstances such as some zoo birds, and keepers who sell or give away eggs, poultry products and live birds, the government said in a press release.²

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) also declared the whole of England an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone with mandatory biosecurity measures that apply from 09.00 on Nov. 11, 2026, according to the declaration.¹ The press release said the zone was coming into force immediately.²

Under the declaration, all keepers, including those with pet birds, must place foot dips with Defra-approved disinfectant, keep records of bird movements and deaths, and take appropriate and practicable steps to store feed, water and bedding under cover and control vermin.¹ They must immediately report increased illness or deaths, or a significant drop in egg production, to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.¹

Keepers of 500 or more birds must take additional measures, including dividing premises into separate live-bird, ancillary and restricted-access parts and repairing holes and leaks in poultry buildings without undue delay, the declaration said.¹ Those requirements do not apply to premises licensed under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, and separate provisions cover game birds, zoos, racing pigeons and birds of prey.¹

"Bird keepers are urged to comply with the housing measures and to exercise robust biosecurity, remaining alert for any signs of disease and reporting suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency," UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said.²

The declaration states that its measures remain in force until it is amended or revoked by a further declaration.¹ It also states that failure to comply may be an offense.¹

The press release said the current risk to human health from avian influenza remains very low.² It added that the government does not currently anticipate any overall impact on the availability of Christmas turkeys.²