02/12/2025
Avian Influenza in Captive Birds
Since October 2025, there have been 38 confirmed cases of high pathogenicity H5N1 Avian Influenza in England, including one in Little Kelk near Driffield in the East Riding.
You can view all active cases and disease control zones on the DEFRA Avian Influenza Interactive Map and find the official declarations at www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england.
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is in place across England, including mandatory housing measures for:
- Flocks of any species of more than 50 captive birds.
- Flocks of less than 50 captive birds if their eggs, poultry products or live birds are sold or given away. (These birds are defined as poultry in the declaration)
Presently, there is no requirement for keepers in the AIPZ to house flocks of less than 50 birds, if the eggs and produce are only for the use of the keeper and their household.
However all captive bird keepers must implement the mandatory enhanced biosecurity measures, this applies regardless of the number or species of birds kept.
Keepers must implement the disease control measures applicable to the location of their premises, e.g. if they are in a 3km Protection or Captive bird monitoring zone they are required to house their birds regardless of numbers kept or whether the eggs/produce are for personal use only.
In brief, for those in the 3km protection zone:
- Keep poultry and other captive birds housed.
- Do not move poultry, other captive birds, or mammals to or from premises where birds are kept, except under licence.
- Record individuals visiting premises where birds are kept.
- Ensure appropriate biosecurity measures are in place.
The restriction around outbreaks usually remain for at least the 6 weeks, but the Prevention Zone is likely to remain in place until the risk of new cases has reduced, which may be several months.
Since October 1, 2024, anyone in Great Britain who keeps:
- Any number of poultry (whether as pets or a hobby)
- Captive birds not kept fully housed in a dwelling (or another indoor structure) with no access to open air must register their details with the Animal and Plant Health Agency. You can register here.
There is a lot of further information about Avian Influenza (bird flu) in both captive and wild birds on the Government's website: Bird Flu: Avian Influenza Latest Situation in England, and the following information about wider risks from:
- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) who advise that bird flu is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.
- The Food Standards Agency (FSA) who has said bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
Please visit our website www.goole-tc.gov.uk to register
Thank you GTC
