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Guidance
Avian influenza (bird flu)

English Cymraeg

How to spot avian influenza (bird flu), what to do

if you suspect it, and measures to prevent it.

From:
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal
and Plant Health Agency
Published:
26 August 2014
Last updated:
30 March 2021, see all updates

Contents

— Latest situation

— Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

— Bird fairs, markets, shows and other gatherings

— Risk level

— Cases in poultry and other captive birds in England

— Cases in captive birds (non-poultry) in England

— Cases in Scotland

— Cases in Wales

— Cases in Northern Ireland

— Wild birds in England

— Other events in England

— Disease control strategy

— Legislation on avian influenza

— Biosecurity advice

— How to spot avian influenza

— Advice for the public

— Trade, import and export issues

— Higher Risk Areas (HRAs)

— Movement controls and licences

— Older cases of avian influenza

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Avian influenza (bird flu) mainly affects birds. It can also

affect humans and other mammals.

Avian influenza (bird flu) is a notifiable animal

disease. If you suspect any type of avian
influenza 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. Failure to do so
is an offence.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ)

including housing measures is in force across
the whole of England. For further details of the
measures that apply, see the AIPZ section.

If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or

ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or
birds of prey, you should report them to the
Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77 - please select
option 7).

All bird keepers (whether you have pet birds,

commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard
flock) must keep a close watch on them for signs of
disease and maintain good biosecurity at all times. If
you have any concerns about the health of your birds,
seek prompt advice from your vet.

You should register your poultry, even if only kept as

pets, so we can contact you during an outbreak. This is
a legal requirement if you have 50 or more birds. Poultry
includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeon (bred
for meat), partridge, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants.

Latest situation
30 March 2021: In light of the two most recent cases of
avian influenza and following an urgent review of the
risk of avian influenza to both wild and kept birds:

the housing measures component of the Avian

Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will still be lifted at
11:59 pm on the 31 March 2021
the AIPZ requiring enhanced biosecurity will remain
in force until further notice but Wednesday 31 March
2021 will be the last day poultry and other captive
birds will need to be housed (housing restrictions
end at 11:59 pm on 31 March 2021)
bird gatherings will remain prohibited
the new cases of avian influenza emphasise that high
standards of biosecurity remain essential as infection
may still be present in the environment
read our biosecurity guidance on how to prepare for
the safe release of your birds and ensure you meet
the requirements of the AIPZ and protect your birds
from this highly infectious virus

29 March 2021: Avian influenza H5N8 was confirmed in

broiler chickens at a commercial premises near
Uttoxeter, East Staffordshire on 27 March 2021, on the
29 March 2021 this was confirmed as a highly
pathogenic strain. A 3km Protection and 10km
Surveillance Zone has been put in place around the
infected premises. These zones replace the Temporary
Control Zones put in place on the 27 March 2021. For
details of the movement restrictions and controls that
apply in these zones, see the movement controls
section.

28 March 2021: Avian influenza H5N3 was confirmed in

turkey breeders at a commercial premises near
Winsford, Cheshire West and Chester on 26 March
2021. Further testing has confirmed this to be a low
pathogenic strain and the 1km Temporary Movement
Restriction Zone has been replaced with a 1km low
pathogenic avian influenza Restricted Zone. For details
of the movement restrictions and controls that apply in
these zones, see the movement controls section.

19 March 2021: The risk of avian influenza to both wild

and kept birds has reduced to ‘medium’. The Avian
Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) requiring enhanced
biosecurity will remain in force but Wednesday 31 March
2021 will be the last day poultry and other captive birds
will need to be housed (housing restrictions end 11:59
pm on 31 March 2021). Bird gatherings are still
prohibited. High standards of biosecurity remain
essential as infection may still be present in the
environment.

See the AIPZ section for further details of the measures

that apply in the AIPZ and our guidance on How to
prepare for when your free-range birds can be let
outside again (PDF, 68.4KB, 3 pages).

You can sign up to our Alerts Service to keep up to date

with the latest news. You can also get Defra email alerts
or subscribe to Defra’s RSS feed.

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) requiring
enhanced biosecurity (declared at 5:00 pm on 11
November 2020) remains in force across the whole of
England. But following a reduction in the risk of avian
influenza to both wild and kept birds to ‘medium’.
Wednesday 31 March 2021 will be the last day poultry
and other captive birds will need to be housed as a
requirement of the AIPZ.

Housing restrictions end at 11:59 pm on 31 March 2021.

All other biosecurity measures in the AIPZ remain in
force until further notice and are a legal requirement for
all bird keepers in England (whether they have pet birds,
commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard
flock).

Further details of the measures that apply in the AIPZ

can be found in the AIPZ declaration. The housing
measures apply from 14 December 2020 to 31 March
2021, all other AIPZ measures remain in force until
further notice.

High standards of biosecurity remain essential as

infection may still be present in the environment. If you
intend to allow your birds outside after 31 March you
must take action now to prepare the outside areas.
Read our guidance on How to prepare for when your
free-range birds can be let outside again (PDF, 68.4KB,
3 pages).

See our biosecurity section for further information.

The Local Authority Animal Health Function (LAAHF)

situated within either the Trading Standards or
Environmental Health Service of a local authority has
the responsibility to ensure compliance with the AIPZ.
See our postcode tool to find details of how to contact
your LAAHF with any reports of non-compliance.

Failure to comply with the AIPZ Declaration may be an

offence under section 73 of the Animal Health Act 1981
and subject to an unlimited fine on summary conviction
and up to 6 months’ imprisonment per offence.

The decision to implement the AIPZ on the 11 December

2020 and the additional housing measures from the 14
December 2020 to the 31 March 2021 was made in light
of evidence from the continent and ongoing high
numbers of avian influenza findings in wild bird in
England and follows risk assessments containing the
latest scientific and ornithological evidence and
veterinary advice.

AIPZs are also in force in Scotland, Wales and Northern

Ireland.

Bird fairs, markets, shows and other gatherings

Due to the ongoing risk of avian influenza bird
gatherings remain banned in England. Bird gatherings
include (but are not limited to) bird fairs, markets,
shows, sales, exhibitions, vehicles used to transport live
birds where the birds are brought together from
multiple premises and some premises used for dealing
or internet sales.

Bird gatherings are not permitted under the Avian

Influenza (Preventive Measures) (England) Regulations
S.I. 2006/2701 (“the Preventive Measures Regulations
2006”) unless licensed.

Following the declaration of an Avian Influenza

Prevention Zone on the 11 November 2020 and in
response to the increased risk of avian influenza
incursion the bird gatherings general licence was
revoked in England on the 11 November 2020.

Further information can be found in our guidance for

bird gatherings. The collection of wild game birds is not
affected by these measures.

Risk level
The risk of incursion of avian influenza has been reduced
to medium for both wild birds and kept birds, however
biosecurity must remain a priority. Further details on
the evidence which supported these decisions can be
found in our risk assessments.

Public Health England (PHE) has reviewed information

from the World Health Organisation (WHO) following
reports of H5N8 in 7 poultry workers in Russia, and
assessed that avian influenza remains an uncommon
infection in humans and the risk of the H5N8 strain to
the UK population is low. Further information on the
evidence which supports this can be found in PHE’s risk
assessment. Any persons exposed to confirmed H5N8
in avian species will receive health advice from a local
health protection team. PHE also advises that the risk
to the public’s health from the other 3 virus strains
which have been found in GB during 2020/2021
(H5N2, H5N1, H5N5, H5N3) is very low.

Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus

(COVID-19).

You can sign up to our Alerts Service to keep up to date

with the latest news. You can also get Defra email alerts
or subscribe to Defra’s RSS feed.

Cases in poultry and other captive birds in

England
The following 14 cases of highly pathogenic avian
influenza (HPAI) H5N8 in poultry have now been
confirmed at premises in England:

near Frodsham, Cheshire (broiler breeder chickens)

near Leominster, in Herefordshire (broiler breeder
chickens)
near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire (poultry and
captive birds)
near Northallerton, Hambleton, North Yorkshire
(rearing turkeys)
second premises near Northallerton, Hambleton,
North Yorkshire (rearing turkeys)
near Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk (rearing
turkeys)
near King’s Lynn, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk,
Norfolk (rearing turkeys)
near Willington, South Derbyshire, Derbyshire
(captive birds and poultry)
near Gillingham, North Dorset, Dorset (backyard
poultry)
near Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk (breeding
ducks)
Ickburgh, near Watton, Breckland, Norfolk (rearing
ducks)
near Exmouth, West Devon, Devon (backyard
poultry)
near Redcar, Redcar and Cleveland (laying chickens)
near Uttoxeter, East Staffordshire (broiler chickens)

The following case of avian influenza highly pathogenic

avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in poultry has been
confirmed at premises in England:

near Hawes, Richmondshire, North Yorkshire

(backyard flock of chickens)

One case of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI)

H5N2 has been confirmed at a premises in England:

near Deal, Kent

One case of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI)

H5N3 has been confirmed at a premises in England:

near Winsford, Cheshire West and Chester

Cases in captive birds (non-poultry) in England

The following 3 cases of highly pathogenic avian
influenza (HPAI) H5N8 in other captive birds (non-
poultry premises) have now been confirmed in England:

near Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk (non-

commercial other captive birds, non-poultry
premises)
near Stroud in Gloucestershire (captive birds at a
wetland centre, non-poultry premises)
near Droitwich Spa, Wychavon, Worcestershire
(captive birds at a rescue centre, non-poultry
premises)

When avian influenza is confirmed or suspected in

poultry or other captive birds disease control zones are
put in place around the infected premises. Within these
disease control zones a range of restrictions on the
movement of poultry and material associated with their
keeping can apply.

Check where disease control zone are currently located

and if you are in zone on our interactive map

Definitive requirements are set out in the published

declarations for each disease control zone currently in
force. The declarations together with further
information on each of the cases and movement
licensing information can be found in the movement
controls and licences section.

Cases in Scotland
Two cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in
Scotland:

H5N8 was confirmed in a small commercial free

range laying flock on Sanday Island, Orkney,
Scotland on the 17 December 2020. On the 19
December 2020 further testing confirmed this to be
a highly pathogenic strain (HPAI H5N8)
H5N1 was confirmed in a flock of kept birds from a
gamebird rearing premises in Leven, Glenrothes,
Scotland on the 11 February 2021. On the 12 February
2021 further testing confirmed this to be a highly
pathogenic strain (HPAI H5N1)

See the Scottish Government website for further

information.

Cases in Wales
One case of avian influenza has been confirmed in
Wales:

Avian influenza H5N8 was confirmed at a game

rearing establishment near Amlwch, Anglesey on the
27 January 2021. On the 28 January 2021 further
testing confirmed this to be a highly pathogenic
strain (HPAI H5N8).

See the Welsh Government website for further

information.

Cases in Northern Ireland

Two cases of HPAI H5N8 have been confirmed in
poultry in Northern Ireland:

Clough, County Antrim on 6 January 2021

Lisburn, County Antrim on 11 January 2021

See the DAERA-NI website for further information.

Wild birds in England

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) carries out
year-round avian influenza surveillance of dead wild
birds submitted via public reports and warden patrols.

Through this surveillance, multiple species of wild birds

have been found to be positive for HPAI H5N8 in
locations across Great Britain. In addition, a smaller
number of wild birds have been found to be positive for
HPAI H5N1 and HPAI H5N5. For further details see the
report (updated weekly) of findings of HPAI in wild birds
in Great Britain and our outbreak assessments.

If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks)

or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey,
you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459
335577).

We then collect some of these birds and test them to

help us understand how the disease is distributed
geographically and in different types of bird, not all
birds will be collected.

Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds

that you find. For further information see our advice to
the Public.

Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)

carry out routine surveillance of disease risks in the UK
and around the world to help us anticipate future
threats to animal health and continue to closely monitor
the global situation of avian influenza as part of this
work. Further details of the latest avian influenza
findings in wild birds in Europe can be found in our
outbreak assessments.

Other events in England

H5N8 influenza of avian origin was detected as part of
routine wildlife surveillance in 3 seals and a fox that
died at a wildlife rehabilitation centre in England. Wild
birds undergoing rehabilitation in the centre are
believed to have been the source of the infection. There
was no evidence of spread from the premises.

Disease control strategy

Cases of avian influenza, if they occur, are controlled by
following the contingency plan for exotic notifiable
diseases and the notifiable avian disease control
strategy. You can read what happens when a notifiable
disease is suspected or confirmed.

Legislation on avian influenza

The legislation covering avian influenza includes:

The Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in

Mammals (England) (No.2) Order 2006
The Avian Influenza (H5N1 in Poultry) (England)
Order 2006
The Avian Influenza (H5N1 in Wild Birds) (England)
Order 2006
The Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (England)
Regulations 2006

Enforcement

Avian influenza controls including the Avian Influenza

Prevention Zone (AIPZ) are enforced by Local
Authorities Animal Health Function (LAAHF), which is
normally situated with the Trading Standards or
Environmental Health Service of a local authority. See
our postcode tool to find details of how to contact your
LAAHF with any reports of non-compliance.

Compensation

You may be entitled to compensation if healthy poultry

are killed under orders from government or APHA in the
event of a disease outbreak. Owners are not entitled to
compensation solely as a result of the requirements of a
disease control zone or for other consequential losses.
See our notifiable avian disease control strategy and
guidance on compensation for animals culled to control
animal diseases for further information.

Biosecurity advice
The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) declared in
England at 5pm 11 November 2020 remains in force
until further notice. The AIPZ includes additional
housing measures from the 14 December 2020 to the
31 March 2021. This means all bird keepers in England
(whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just
a few birds in a backyard flock) are required by law to
take a range of biosecurity precautions, including until
23:59 on the 31 March 2021 housing their birds (except
in very specific circumstances).

If you keep poultry or other captive birds, you must take

action to reduce the risk of disease in your flock by
following government advice on biosecurity. Further
details of the measures that apply in the AIPZ can be
found in the AIPZ declaration.

To assist all bird keepers in complying with the rules we

have provided the biosecurity guidance and published a
Biosecurity self-assessment checklist (ODT, 22.6KB).

If you intend to allow your birds outside after 31 March

you must take action now to prepare the outside areas.
Read our guidance on How to prepare for when your
free-range birds can be let outside again (PDF, 68.4KB,
3 pages).

Good biosecurity improves the overall health and

productivity of your flock by helping keep out poultry
diseases such as avian influenza and limiting the spread
of disease in an outbreak.

This applies just as much if you only have a few birds as

pets, or if you have a large commercial flock. An
outbreak of avian influenza in back garden chickens
results in the same restrictions on movement of birds. It
has the same effect on farmers and trade in poultry as
an outbreak on a commercial farm.

Biosecurity guidance for all bird keepers

Read the biosecurity guidance which includes details of

measures that should be taken in an Avian Influenza
Prevention Zone. Complete the biosecurity self-
assessment checklist and retain for inspection if
requested by representatives from APHA or Local
Authorities.

Biosecurity and preventing

welfare impacts in poultry and
captive birds
PDF, 227KB, 25 pages

Biosecurity self-assessment
checklist
ODT, 22.6KB

This file is in an OpenDocument format

How to prepare for when your

free-range birds can be let
outside again
PDF, 68.4KB, 3 pages

From 11 November 2020 until further notice all bird

keepers in England (whether they have pet birds,
commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard
flock) are required by law to take a range of biosecurity
precautions including keeping their birds indoors from
the 14 December 2020 to 31 March 2021 (except in
very specific circumstances). See our posters below for
further information.

Biosecurity and housing

requirements for chicken and
turkey keepers
PDF, 281KB, 2 pages

Biosecurity and housing

requirements for keepers of
ducks, geese and game birds
PDF, 273KB, 2 pages

Register your birds

We encourage all keepers to register their birds with us,

and keep contact details up to date, so we can contact
you quickly if there is a disease outbreak in your area
and you need to take action.

If you have more than 50 birds, you are legally required

to register your flock within one month of their arrival at
your premises. If you have less than 50 birds, including
pet birds, you are still strongly encouraged to register.

Find out how to register your birds.

Report signs of disease

You must keep a close watch on your birds for any signs
of disease, and must seek prompt advice from your vet if
you have any concerns. If you suspect any type of avian
influenza you must report it immediately by calling the
Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
Failure to do so is an offence.

Pigeons or birds of prey

If your birds are within a disease control zone,

make sure you check the restrictions applicable
to that zone.

You can exercise and train pigeons or fly birds of prey,

including for pest control, but they should avoid direct
contact with wild birds. For further information and
conditions that apply to this activity see our biosecurity
guidance.

Due to the ongoing risk of avian influenza incursion bird

gatherings remain banned in England (the bird
gatherings general licence was revoked in England on
the 11 November 2020). One bird (falcon/hawk/pigeon
etc.) or multiple birds that already housed together/on
the same premises are still permitted to be flown in
England.

However, birds that are not already housed together/on

the same premises should not be flown together, as this
constitutes a bird gathering. Further information can be
found in our guidance for bird gatherings.

Due to the heightened risk of avian influenza infection in

wild birds we advise against feeding any wild birds, and
in particular any wild shot or hunted wildfowl, to any
birds of prey. This includes birds that may have been
shot or hunted earlier in the autumn and frozen.

Game birds and shoots

If you’re involved with gamebirds you should read the

advice published on the Game Farmers Association
website (PDF). You need to maintain good biosecurity
at your premises. This advice has been put together by
seven leading countryside and shooting organisations
(BASC, CA, CLA, GFA, GWCT, NGO and SGA) and
endorsed by Defra, the Scottish and Welsh
Governments and DAERA in Northern Ireland.

If your activity is within a disease control zone,

make sure you check the restrictions applicable
to that zone.

Once game birds have been released they are classified

as wild birds. The person who released the game birds is
no longer classed as the ‘keeper’ of the birds.

You can continue to feed and water released game birds

but you should make reasonable efforts to minimise the
chance of other wild birds accessing their feed and
water, for example by placing it under cover. You should
use commercial feed and fresh or treated water.

Vaccination

The vaccination of poultry and most captive birds

against avian influenza is not currently permitted.
Vaccination is not a routine control measure and is a
practice restricted by legislation.

Vaccination of zoo birds is only permitted in England

subject to meeting eligibility criteria and receiving
authorisation. Only zoos or collections holding a current
zoo licence can apply for an authorisation to vaccinate.
For further information see our avian influenza
vaccination guidance.

How to spot avian influenza

There are 2 types of avian influenza.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is the more

serious type. It is often fatal in birds. The main clinical
signs of HPAI in birds are:

swollen head
blue discolouration of neck and throat
Contents
loss of appetite