Bird Flu Update: What the New Housing Measures Mean for Bird Keepers in England

All of England is now in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ), and from 00:01 on 13 November 2026 mandatory housing measures apply. If you keep birds, whether a few backyard hens or a larger flock, now is the time to check what the rules mean for you and to review your biosecurity.

At a glance

Where: All of England

What has changed: Housing measures have been added to the mandatory biosecurity rules

When: From 00:01 on 13 November 2026

Possible exemption: Ducks, geese, swans, ostriches, rheas and poultry kept for restocking game, for welfare reasons and with your vet

What the new rules mean

Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) introduced the zone on 11 November 2026 and added the housing measures on 12 November.

The new declaration replaces the one made at 23:30 on 10 November, which came into force at 09:00 on 11 November. You can read the full wording in the declaration of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (England) (PDF). Check it for exactly which birds and premises it covers.

Housing your birds: key points

The government's housing guidance explains how to keep housed birds healthy and comfortable. In summary:

• Space and light: avoid overcrowding, give natural light where you can, and never keep birds in permanent darkness.
• Air and temperature: make sure there is enough ventilation, and check the temperature at bird level. Avoid significant heat above 21°C.
• Dry bedding: use good-quality litter that crumbles easily and keep it dry, especially for ducks and geese.
• Fresh food and water: provide plenty of both, and clean drinkers often so standing water doesn't build up.
• Daily checks: check your birds more than once a day for health, food, water and dry bedding. Look out for red mite, feather pecking and weight loss.
• Keep them busy: enrichment such as straw or shavings bales, scattered whole grain, dustbathing boxes and pecking blocks helps prevent boredom and feather pecking.
• Ducks and geese: keep them separate from other poultry, as they can carry bird flu without showing signs.
• Before birds go back outside: clean and disinfect hard surfaces, remove contamination and keep wild birds away.

Guidance is updated regularly, so check the declaration and the full guidance for the latest requirements: housing your birds safely.

Biosecurity: key points

Good biosecurity helps stop the virus reaching your birds. The government's guidance sets out what is required and what is recommended. Some extra rules apply to larger flocks and to birds kept outdoors.

Required:

• Use a Defra-approved disinfectant at the approved poultry dilution, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Wear clean clothing and footwear when entering bird housing.
• Use a covered foot dip (at least ankle deep) at the entrance and exit, or dedicated footwear that stays inside the housing.

Recommended:

• Keep feed, water and bedding covered and out of reach of wild birds and rodents.
• Clean and disinfect equipment such as crates, buckets and wheelbarrows regularly.
• Limit visitors to those who are essential, and keep a record of who comes.
• Control rats and mice, and keep foxes, dogs and cats away from housing and feed.
• Check the health of new birds before introducing them, and house them separately at first.
• Dispose of dead birds, damaged eggs and manure quickly and appropriately.

Read the full guidance: how to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.

Spotting bird flu

Signs of the most serious form of bird flu include:

• sudden death
• lethargy, lying down and not responding, or drooping wings
• watery or discoloured droppings
• eating, drinking or laying fewer eggs
• breathing problems such as gaping, sneezing or rattling
• a swollen head, blue-tinged comb and wattles, poor coordination or a twisted head or neck

Ducks, geese and swans can carry and spread the virus without showing any signs.

If you suspect bird flu, report it immediately, even if the signs are mild. It is a notifiable disease. In England, call the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 03000 200 301. Your vet can also make the report, and you should speak to them if you are worried about your birds' health.

See all the signs in the full guidance on bird flu.

How we can help

Keeping birds housed for longer can mean a few extra supplies. Browse our pet bird range for:

• Bird food and treats to keep your birds well fed while they are housed
• Feeders and drinkers that are easy to clean, so food and water stay fresh
• Cleaning supplies for housing and equipment. Check that any disinfectant is Defra-approved and used at the approved poultry dilution, and always follow the label.

Exemptions from housing

Some keepers may be able to get an exemption for welfare reasons. It applies to keepers of:

• ducks, geese and swans (anseriformes)
• ostriches and rheas (ratites)
• poultry kept for restocking of game

To apply, complete the bird keeper statement template with your vet.

Also worth checking

• The map: see the updated bird flu disease control zone map.
• Bird gatherings: if you take birds to shows or events, read the rules on bird gatherings. You must meet the licence conditions and tell APHA at least 7 days ahead.
• Registration: you must register as a keeper within one month of keeping poultry or other captive birds, and update your record every year. Register as a keeper of fewer than 50 poultry or other captive birds or 50 or more.

Sources

This post is based on the official government notice, Bird flu: avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) (England), published by Defra and APHA on 11 November 2026 and last updated on 12 November 2026. Rules can change quickly, so check that page for the latest position before acting.

The key points above are summarised from these government guidance pages: housing your birds safely, how to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading and signs of bird flu.