Defra has confirmed a National Housing Order for the whole of England from 00:01 on Thursday 6 November 2025, extending existing avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) housing requirements nationwide. A GB‑wide AIPZ remains in force, which already mandates enhanced biosecurity for all bird keepers. These steps follow a rise in confirmed cases and updated government risk assessments published on 4 November 2025.
Who must house birds is now explicit. Keepers in England must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep more than 50 birds of any species, or any number of poultry where eggs, poultry products or live birds are sold or given away. Small flocks of fewer than 50 birds kept solely for the keeper’s own use are not required to house, though biosecurity duties under the AIPZ still apply.
The latest situation includes a new confirmation on 4 November 2025 at a large commercial premises near Wells‑next‑the‑Sea, North Norfolk. A 3km protection zone (PZ) and 10km surveillance zone (SZ) have been declared. Across the UK in the 2025/26 season to 4 November, there are 24 confirmed HPAI H5N1 cases: 20 in England, 3 in Wales, 1 in Northern Ireland and none in Scotland. The season is counted from October to September each year.
Recent English cases prompting these measures include large commercial units near Thirsk (North Yorkshire) and Crediton (Mid Devon) on 3 November; captive birds near Danehill (East Sussex) on 3 November; commercial premises near Easingwold (North Yorkshire) on 2 November; and units near Honington (West Suffolk) and Donington (Lincolnshire) on 1 November. Each site is subject to a 3km PZ and 10km SZ, with humane culling at infected premises; one captive bird zone near Stockbridge (Hampshire) has been revoked following completed controls.
Operations inside disease control zones are tightly regulated. Movement of poultry, other captive birds, eggs, poultry products and certain mammals is restricted; some lower‑risk activities are permitted under published general licences, while others require case‑by‑case specific licences issued by APHA. Operators should verify their status on the Defra disease zone map and check applicable general and specific licence conditions before any movement.
Bird gatherings are only permitted outside disease control zones and are subject to strict conditions. Poultry gatherings require a specific licence; gatherings of other captive birds must follow the general licence and be notified to APHA at least seven days in advance. Where housing is mandated under the AIPZ, gatherings for most poultry are not allowed. Non‑compliance can attract enforcement action by local authorities.
Vaccination remains restricted. Poultry and most captive birds cannot be vaccinated against avian influenza in England. Zoos may vaccinate only where eligibility criteria are met and APHA has granted authorisation; vaccination brings further movement controls and documentation requirements. The policy is set out in Defra and APHA guidance and supported by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
Government risk assessments now rate the risk of HPAI H5 in wild birds in Great Britain as very high. For poultry, the risk of exposure is high where biosecurity is suboptimal and low where stringent biosecurity is consistently applied. UKHSA continues to advise that the risk to the general public is very low; the FSA assesses the food safety risk to consumers as very low and confirms that properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat.
For land managers and the public, Defra’s wild bird guidance remains in place. Report dead wild birds via the official service, avoid contact with sick or dead birds, and follow NHS hygiene advice. Within an AIPZ you must not feed wild gamebirds within 500m of premises housing more than 500 poultry or captive birds. The British Trust for Ornithology also advises regular cleaning of feeders and water baths in gardens.
Influenza of avian origin in mammals is notifiable in both wild and kept mammals. Veterinary professionals and laboratories must report suspected disease or detections of influenza A virus or antibodies without delay. Report to APHA on 03000 200 301 in England, 03003 038 268 in Wales, or the local Field Services Office in Scotland. Failing to report is an offence.
The legal framework for controls in England includes the Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No.2) Order 2006 and subsequent amendment orders, the Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (England) Regulations 2006, the Avian Influenza (H5N1 in Wild Birds) (England) Order 2006, cleansing and disinfection requirements under the Transport of Animals (Cleansing and Disinfection) (England) (No.3) Order 2003, and approved disinfectant rules under the Diseases of Animals (Approved Disinfectants) (England) Order 2007. These instruments provide powers for housing, movement controls, licensing, enforcement and culling.
Immediate actions for keepers ahead of Thursday are practical and time‑bound: confirm your zone on Defra’s online map, prepare housing and ventilation, feed and water birds under cover, and document any welfare‑based exemptions where relevant. Where essential movements are envisaged after a confirmation nearby, review the available general licences and apply early for any specific licence.