Captive bird housing requirements in force from 6 November 2025
Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) is in an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ). By law, you must follow strict biosecurity and hygiene rules to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.
In addition, on 6 November 2025, mandatory housing measures were extended to the whole of England.
You will have to house your birds in England if you keep either:
- More than 50 birds of any species – including poultry and other captive birds
- Any number of poultry where they are kept to give away or sell eggs, poultry products or live birds
You do not have to house your birds if you keep less than 50 birds and their eggs or poultry products are for your own use only.
- Find out how to house your birds safely on the GOV.UK website
- View comprehensive Bird Flu information and advice on the GOV.UK website - includes advice for gamekeepers, keepers of racing pigeons and guidance on symptoms / death in wild birds
Spotting symptoms
Be aware of the symptoms of Bird Flu and check your birds regularly for these. Advice on symptoms and how to report concerns is on the GOV.UK website.
Symptoms include:
- Swollen head
- Blue discolouration of neck and throat
- Loss of appetite
- Respiratory distress such as gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling, rattling
- Diarrhoea
- Fewer eggs laid
- Increased mortality
Report disease symptoms in your own birds
If your birds have any symptoms of Bird Flu, you are required by law to report these to DEFRA’s Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200301. Bird Flu is classified as a ‘notifiable disease’.
Visit the GOV.UK website to familiarise yourself with how to spot and report Bird Flu symptoms.
Register your birds
It is also a legal requirement to register all captive birds, even a couple of hens in the garden, with the exception of birds you keep in your home.
Register your birds on the DEFRA website.
Reporting dead wild birds
DEFRA welcomes reports on dead wild birds so that it can monitor how the disease is spreading. Not all dead birds will be collected.
You should either:
- Call DEFRA to report the bird(s) on 03459 33 55 77
- Complete DEFRA's online form on the GOV.UK website
We strongly advise the public not to touch dead wild birds or their feathers, droppings etc. If you do come into contact with these, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water. The risk of Bird Flu passing to humans is deemed ‘low’.
Visit the NHS website for information about Bird Flu.
Register for Bird Flu updates
The Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) runs a free disease alerts service for bird keepers. This keeps you up to date with the latest Bird Flu developments.
Sign up to receive animal disease alerts from APHA on the GOV.UK website.