A mandatory housing order has been put in place for the whole of England amid escalating numbers of avian influenza, otherwise known as bird flu.

The order will commence on Friday November 13 at midnight.

Bird keepers across the country who own up to 50 or more birds and who sell or give eggs, poultry products and live birds away, must now house all poultry and captive birds.

The Deaprtment for Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has also declared an England-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), with mandatory biosecurity measures coming into force immediately.

Whether its pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard, biosecurity measures must be followed to reduce the risk of further outbreaks.

UK chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss is urging bird keepers to comply with the housing measures and to exercise robust biosecurity.

She tells bird keepers to remain "alert for any signs of disease and reporting suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency".

She said: “Having avian influenza confirmed in your flock can be devastating.

"I understand the impact this disease can have on the poultry sector and am extremely grateful for the continued cooperation of the industry.”

Biosecurity measures

All bird keepers must follow government regulations, such as, reporting of changes in egg production and mandatory record keeping.

Others include:

Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry;
Reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept;
Carry out effective vermin control;
Minimise contact between captive birds and wild birds;
Regularly cleanse and disinfect housing;
Ensure birds are kept in enclosed where there is no access to ponds and watercourses.

Impacts

DEFRA does not anticipate any impact overall on the availability of Christmas turkeys or other seasonal poultry for consumers.   

According to the department, the risk to human health from avian influenza remains very low.

The UK Health Security Agency continues to monitor the situation closely and remains vigilant for any evidence of changes in the level of risk.

The Food Standard Agency (FSA) has said properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

AIPZ in Scotland

Meanwhile, an AIPZ was declared in Scotland on Tuesday November 10.

The Scottish government said that the risk to poultry and other captive birds is currently assessed as very high.

Bird flu was first confirmed in the UK on October 2 in Ness, Isle of Lewis, Scotland (AIV 2026/20).

Bird flu symptoms

Keepers are being urged to remain vigilant on the signs of the disease and recognise the symptoms, which include:

Sudden death;
Lying down and unresponsiveness;
Lethargy and depression;
Drooping of the wings;
Closed and excessively watery eyes;
Loss of balance and coordination;
Head and body tremoring;
Drooping of wings and dragging of legs;
Twisting of the head and neck;
Death.