The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) plans to lift the order for mandatory housing of birds later this week in England.
The order was instigated as a precaution due to a significant number of cases of avian influenza, known as bird flu, in recent months.
Following ongoing monitoring using the latest scientific evidence and risk assessment, bird flu risk levels have been reduced, according to Defra.
As a result, mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds will start to be lifted across England from Thursday, May 15 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.
As birds may have been housed for several months, there will be a seven-day transition period from May 15 until May 22 during which, where necessary, previously housed birds must be released gradually to minimise welfare issues.
Poultry keepers 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.
Defra has stated that 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. Bird gatherings also remain banned.
Housing order
Meanwhile, earlier this month, Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, Andrew Muir announced that the compulsory bird flu housing measures for poultry and captive birds would be lifted on May 10, 2025.
The housing order in the Republic of Ireland was also lifted at the same time.
The housing measures were introduced across Northern Ireland on February 17, 2025 as one of the key measures to stop the spread of bird flu, and has been a vital tool in protecting flocks across the country.
