Bird Flu
Rules in place across England
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 must 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 unless you are in a 3km Protection Zone – see below.
Visit gov.uk to find out how to house your birds safely and familiarise yourself with how to spot and report symptoms. If your birds have any symptoms of Bird Flu you are required by law to report these to the DEFRA's Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200301 as its classified as a notifiable disease.
In the declaration for the AIPZ in England you can read further information on the requirements for certain types of bird.
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. You can do this on the DEFRA website (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
For comprehensive information and advice visit Gov.uk, including advice for game keepers and those that keep racing pigeons.
Specific rules in place in Ely vicinity following confirmed Bird Flu case on 27 November
In addition to the national rules outlined above, following a confirmed case at a premises near Ely on 27th November, additional rules now apply to bird keepers in this area. You can look at DEFRA’s online map to see if you keep your birds in either the 3km zone or 10km zone. If you do, you will need to adhere to the rules that are in force in those zones, including strict housing rules for all captive birds. A summary can be found at gov.uk, and the full Declaratory Order containing the details can be accessed here.
If you become aware of captive birds that are not being housed within the 3km zone, please report these to Trading Standards via their advice partner, Citizens Advice Consumer Service, on 0808 2231133 or visit their website to use their online form.
Reporting dead wild birds
DEFRA welcomes reports on dead wild birds so that it can monitor how the disease is spreading. You can either do this by telephone or using their online form. Visit gov.ukfor more information. Not all dead birds will be collected.
Please note, the public are strongly advised not to touch dead wild birds, their feathers, droppings etc. If you do come into contact with these, wash your hands thoroughly with hot soap and water. The risk of Bird Flu passing to humans is deemed 'low'. Further information can be accessed on the NHS website.
Human health
The risk of transmission to humans is deemed ‘low’ but nevertheless the public are advised not to touch dead or sick wild birds or their feathers, droppings etc. Further information is available on the NHS website.
Pet health
In terms of pets, there is a small risk to cats and dogs if they come into contact with infected birds, feathers, droppings etc. Further advice can be found on gov.uk
