Avian flu
28 January 2025
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures is now in force across all of England and Scotland
This is in response to an increase in cases across England and new findings in wild birds.
In addition, a regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory housing and biosecurity measures is being extended to include:
- North Yorkshire
- York
- Shropshire
- The East Riding of Yorkshire
- The City of Kingston upon Hull
- Lincolnshire
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
All bird keepers in these areas must keep their birds housed to protect them from bird flu. This applies to pet birds, commercial flocks and just a few birds in a backyard flock.
All bird keepers should remain vigilant and follow these housing and stringent biosecurity measures, in addition to following any Protection/Surveillance Zone restrictions in their area, to prevent future outbreaks.
It is also important that keepers of poultry or other captive birds register:
- Register as a keeper of less than 50 poultry or other captive birds - GOV.UK
- Register as a keeper of 50 or more poultry or other captive birds - GOV.UK
You must register within one month of keeping poultry or other captive birds at any premises in England or Wales. This includes any birds you keep as pets. You're breaking the law if you do not register.
If there is an outbreak of Avian Influenza in Herefordshire, this page will be updated with the latest information and guidance from APHA.
Check the avian influenza interactive map to see where restrictions are in place.