Bird flu (avian influenza): how to prevent it and stop it spreading

England is in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ). By law you must follow these strict biosecurity and hygiene rules to stop bird flu spreading. You may also be in a disease control zone or the AIPZ in England and have to house your birds. Read guidance on records you must keep, movement restrictions and other rules.

You should follow this guidance to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.

The main causes of bird flu in poultry and other captive birds are contact with:

You can speak to your vet about the specific risks to your birds.

You must register within one month of keeping poultry or other captive birds at any premises. You’re breaking the law if you don’t register. 

You must also update your kept bird record annually, or sooner for major changes.

Registering means the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) can contact you during a bird flu outbreak. 

If you keep ‘schedule 4’ birds of prey, you also need to register each bird. Find out about registering captive birds of prey.

Wild birds can spread bird flu. Your birds can get infected if they mix with wild birds (direct contact).

They can also get infected through exposure to:

Make your bird areas unattractive to wild birds. You can use:

Check outside areas around your birds’ housing daily. Remove wild bird faeces, feathers and carcasses.

Keep food, water and bedding in covered, enclosed areas, so wild birds and rodents cannot access them.