Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZ)

Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZ)

These measures apply to those who keep more than 50 birds, and also those who sell or give away eggs or poultry products (even if they keep less than 50 birds).

If you keep less than 50 birds and they are for your own use only (for example you do not sell or give away their eggs or meat), you do not have to house them.

For out more information on AIPZ here.

In addition to complying with any relevant AIPZ requirements, all bird keepers have a legal requirement to register details of their birds, regardless of the number kept, with only very limited exceptions. Registration is essential for effective disease control.

Additionally, anyone keeping birds should maintain relevant records relating to their health and welfare. Good record-keeping can help identify issues early and support prompt intervention.

Risk levels

The risk of HPAI H5 in Great Britain exposure for poultry is currently assessed as:

  • low (event is rare but does occur) (with high uncertainty), where stringent biosecurity is consistently applied at all times.
  • high (event occurs regularly) (with high uncertainty), where there is suboptimal or poor biosecurity.

What to look out for

There are many symptoms of AI, depending on the strain and the species infected. Click here to read the government’s advice on how to spot AI. If birds are in poor condition, it is most likely not bird flu. If in any doubt, speak to your vet.

Poultry and captive birds

AI is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of AI in poultry or captive birds, you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. In Northern Ireland, call the DAERA helpline 0300 200 7840.

Failure to do so is an offence.

If you suspect your birds are infected with any disease, contact your specialist gamebird vet immediately, who will advise you on what to do.

Wild birds

Details of how to report AI in wild birds (including previously released gamebirds) can be found from Defra here.

Do not pick up or touch wild birds you suspect have AI until after you have contacted the relevant agency above and they have given you advice.

Not all birds will be collected. The criteria for which birds are collected are adjusted to increase or decrease the sensitivity of surveillance.

Legislation:

Legislation

Year

Jurisdiction

Summary

The Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) Amendment order

2024

Scotland

Provides the legislative measures to prevent and control AI in Scotland.

The Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) Regulations

2005

Wales

Similar but in Wales

The Avian Influenza (Preventative Measures) Regulations

2006

England

Similar but in England

The Avian influenza and influenza of avian origin in mammals Regulations

2007

Northern Ireland

Similar but in Northern Ireland

Releasing game birds on or within 500m of a Special Protection Area (in England).

General Licence 45 was withdrawn in England due to the current avian influenza risk levels. Anyone wishing to release pheasants or red-legged partridges on or near SPAs in England, now must apply for an individual licence from Natural England (NE). Releasing these gamebirds on these areas, without a licence (or not complying with licence conditions) is illegal. 

Biosecurity

Biosecurity refers to all the measures taken to minimise the risk of infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria or other microorganisms entering, emerging, establishing or spreading as a result of our actions.

Good biosecurity helps to ensure the overall health of the wider environment, protects individual species and can help maintain the health of your gamebirds.

In terms of gamebird rearing and releasing, the Animal Plant and Health Association (APHA) has identified that the most important factor in reducing the impact of avian influenza is good biosecurity, practised and applied properly. These same practices also help to stop the spread of other diseases including mycoplasma, coccidiosis and hexamita.

The measures put in place to mitigate potential risks also help to limit the spread of alien invasive species that can cause serious environmental problems.

Find out more here