- England extends bird flu housing measures from 6 November 2025.
- All bird keepers in England must follow biosecurity and housing rules.
- Three new HPAI H5N1 cases confirmed on 3 November 2025 in North Yorkshire, Devon, and East Sussex.
- England reports 19 cases of HPAI H5N1 in the 2025-2026 season.
- UK has lost HPAI-free status under WOAH rules.
- Total 23 HPAI cases confirmed across the UK in this season.
- Poultry keepers with more than 50 birds or selling products must house their birds.
- Poultry and captive birds on affected premises to be culled under disease control.
- Movement, gatherings, and vaccination of birds regulated based on zones.
- Public health risk from bird flu assessed as very low by UKHSA.
As bird flu continues to spread across England, strict measures have been announced to curb further transmission. From midday on 6 November 2025, mandatory housing rules will be enforced throughout England. These guidelines were announced under the ongoing Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) which already applied in parts of Great Britain.
Expanded Housing Requirements for Bird Keepers
Anyone keeping poultry or other captive birds in England must ensure high standards of biosecurity. This includes housing birds indoors if certain conditions apply. The rule is compulsory if more than 50 birds are kept, regardless of species, or if any number of poultry are kept for selling eggs, live birds, or poultry products.
Those keeping fewer than 50 birds exclusively for personal use are currently exempt from mandatory housing. However, the need to follow disease prevention guidance remains essential.
New Bird Flu Cases Confirmed
On 3 November 2025, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was detected at large poultry units near Thirsk in North Yorkshire, near Crediton in Devon, and captive birds near Danehill in East Sussex. In each case, 3km protection zones and 10km surveillance zones were set up. All birds on affected premises are being culled to prevent the spread.
Recent weeks have seen multiple confirmed outbreaks across England, including Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and North Yorkshire. A cumulative total of 19 HPAI H5N1 cases in England have been confirmed since October 2025.
Risk Assessment and Public Health Guidance
The risk of bird flu circulating in wild birds across Great Britain has been assessed as very high. The likelihood of exposure for poultry varies based on how biosecurity is practiced. Improper measures significantly raise the danger of infection.
Despite the rapid uptick in bird infections, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) states that the disease poses a very low risk to public health. Similarly, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) assures that properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe for consumption.
Guidance on Compliance and Monitoring
Whether moving birds, planning a gathering, or checking for disease zones, bird keepers are encouraged to remain vigilant. Mandatory notifications apply for culling, movement licencing, or housing birds based on zone classifications. Public awareness is also being raised to report wild bird deaths promptly to help monitor further spread.
Past Outbreak Patterns and Future Preparedness
The latest outbreak marks the beginning of the 2025-2026 bird flu season, following 81 cases reported in England in 2024-2025. With the national HPAI-free status now revoked, focus remains on strict containment and collaboration between government agencies and bird keepers to limit losses.