Mandatory bird housing requirements will extend across England from 00:01 on 13 November, the government announced on 11 November. The order follows rising avian influenza risk and additional confirmations in kept and wild birds.
Keepers with fifty or more birds must house poultry and other captive birds, subject to specified exemptions. The requirement also covers smaller keepers who sell or give away eggs, poultry products or live birds. It therefore extends beyond large commercial farms.
A separate England-wide prevention zone took effect immediately, requiring stronger biosecurity from all bird keepers, including owners of small backyard flocks and pet birds. Measures include cleaning and disinfection, records and steps to limit contact with wild birds. The housing start date and the immediate biosecurity requirements are distinct.
Sources
Original summary based on the sources above, checked for the November 12, 2026 edition. Reference dates are shown separately from the edition date.