Bird keepers
January 2025 update: Avian Influenza new prevention zones
New rules were made to help keep birds safe from bird flu.
We are now in a Prevention Zone, mandating enhanced biosecurity.
This means all bird keepers must follow special rules to keep their birds healthy. Bird keepers should clean and disinfect their clothes, shoes, equipment, and vehicles before and after touching their birds. If possible, it's best to use throwaway protective clothing.
These rules are to stop more birds from getting sick. Right now, we don't need to keep birds inside, but this might change quickly.
The risk to people is still low, and properly cooked chicken and eggs are safe to eat.
More information can be found on these websites:
Avian Flu
England has been put into a Prevention Zone, mandating enhanced biosecurity.
This will begin in England from 25 January 2025.
The current Prevention Zone applies to all bird keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock.
Find out the latest information and guidance on Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England - GOV.UK
If you suspect a case of bird flu, report it by contacting DEFRA, telephone 03000 200 301
Rules to reduce Avian Flu people who keep birds and poultry
Previous registration was only required for keepers of more than 50 birds. From 1 October 2024, anyone who keeps birds must register them with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). The law applies to all birdkeepers, whether it’s a large commercial farm or someone with a single bird.
Wild birds migrating from mainland Europe during the winter period can spread Avian influenza to poultry and other captive birds. The disease can have a devastating impact on local bird populations and the poultry industry.
Bird keepers can reduce the risk of the disease by
- keeping the area where birds live clean and tidy, controlling rats and mice and regularly cleansing and disinfecting any hard surfaces
- cleaning footwear before and after visits
- placing birds’ feed and water in fully enclosed areas that are protected from wild birds, and removing any spilled feed regularly
- putting fencing around outdoor areas where birds are allowed and limiting their access to ponds or areas visited by wild waterfowl
- where possible, avoid keeping ducks and geese with other poultry species.
The new rules cover owners of backyard flocks,
birds of prey and pigeon fanciers, but do not affect caged pet birds (excluding
any poultry species) kept entirely inside a domestic dwelling, such as a
parrot, canary or budgie, which never leaves the property other than to visit a
vet or another short-term period.
Further information on the new law is available on the gov.uk website
Animal virus and disease guidance
You may keep other animals please use our guidance and advice to help you manage any of the notifiable diseases in animals. You are legally obliged to report notifiable diseases.