Bird flu (avian influenza)

Why bird flu is being monitored

Bird flu can cause severe disease and high death rates in captive birds and domestic poultry.

This can impact on the production of poultry meat and eggs, and severely compromise the welfare of affected birds.

Current situation

As of 25 January 2025, South Gloucestershire is within the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) which has been declared across England. Similar provisions exist in Scotland and Wales.

Read the latest updates on bird flu on GOV.UK.

What bird keepers must do

The AIPZ applies to all keepers of poultry or captive birds. Keepers must, by law, follow specific disease prevention measures regardless of flock size or if the birds are pets.

Further measures apply to keepers of over 500 birds.

Currently there is no GB-wide poultry housing order.

Additional mandatory restrictions apply in the disease control zones placed around infected premises. You can check if you are in a disease control zone on Defra’s interactive map.

You can find information on how to prevent and stop the spread of bird flu and the rules in disease control zone on GOV.UK.

More information 

Find more guidance and regulations on bird flu on GOV.UK.