Friday, November 13, 2026

UK: Defra Upgrades AIPZ to Include Housing Order Due to Avian Flu

 

#19,414


On Wednesday, in UK Scotland: H5N5 Reported In Eurasian Otters - AIPZs Declared for England and Scotland, we looked at the robust start to the UK's fall avian flu season, including 3 detections of H5N5 in local otters.  

Today - after 2 more outbreaks -  the AIPZ (Avian Influenza Protection Zone) order has been upgraded to include mandatory housing of flocks > 50 birds (or small flocks where meat or eggs are sold).

The updates from Defra include:

12 November 2026: avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) with housing measures

The avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures covering all of England has been updated to include housing measures. The housing measures apply from 00:01 on 13 November 2026.

All bird keepers should continue to take steps to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading and be vigilant for signs of disease.

Read guidance on housing your birds safely.
Declaration

Declaration of Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (England) – mandatory biosecurity and housing measures (PDF)

From 00:01 on 13 November, this declaration revokes and replaces the declaration made at 23:30 on 10 November 2026, which came into force at 9:00 on 11 November 2026:

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (England) declaration (PDF)
Defra defines the mandatory housing order as:
In the AIPZ in England there are mandatory housing measures which mean you may have to house your birds.
  • If you have 50 or more birds you must house them. This applies to all types of birds.
  • If you keep less than 50 birds and they are for your own use only (for example you do not sell or give away their eggs or meat), you do not have to house them.
  • If you keep less than 50 birds but you do sell or give away their eggs, poultry products or live birds, you must house them. These birds are known as ‘poultry.
Housing your birds reduces the risk of contact with wild birds, which can spread bird flu.

Meanwhile, here in the United States the number of backyard outbreaks continues to outpace commercial farms (see below). 


Canada's CFIA also reports a surge in detections, with 11 new outbreaks since November 1st.

While most commercial poultry producers have long experience dealing with outbreaks, surveys indicate that backyard producers are generally less well aware of the signs of avian flu, and may be less inclined to wear PPE.


Which means, if you raise backyard birds, now would be a good time to familiarize yourselves with the risks of avian flu, and the things you can do to reduce those risks to you and your families.

A couple of good places to start include:

at