National Housing Order declared to protect poultry from Avian Influenza
On 4th November, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer ordered a mandatory housing order to cover the whole of England from 00:01 on 6 November, following the escalating number of confirmations of avian influenza in kept and wild birds.
Published: 12 November 2025
Reminder: National Housing Order declared to protect poultry from Avian Influenza
On 4th November, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer ordered a mandatory housing order to cover the whole of England from 00:01 on 6 November, following the escalating number of confirmations of avian influenza in kept and wild birds.
The new measures mean bird keepers across the whole of England must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep more than 50 (except in specific circumstances e.g. some zoo birds) or if they sell or give eggs away.
A GB wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is also in place and requires all keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock to undertake enhanced biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease. These enhanced biosecurity measures include reporting of changes in egg production, mandatory record keeping, disinfecting footwear, and cleansing and disinfecting housing and concrete walkways on a continuous basis
Keepers should familiarise themselves with the steps they need to take to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading and remain vigilant for signs of disease and report it to keep your birds safe.
This article is taken from the Local Government Bulletin 11 November 2025, and contains links that will open other gov.uk webpages in a separate window.