Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) including biosecurity measures: the whole of England

An avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) including mandatory biosecurity measures is no longer in force in England.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency
• Published: 7 November 2022
• Last updated: 4 July 2023 — See all updates

• Disease Type: Bird flu (avian influenza)
• Disease control zone restrictions: No longer in force
• Disease control zone type: Avian influenza prevention zone
• Case opened date: 7 November 2022
• Case closed date: 4 July 2023

4 July 2023: The avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) was revoked from midday on 4 July 2023. The ban on poultry gatherings remains in force.

17 April 2023: The avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) was amended to remove the requirement for mandatory housing measures outside of protection zones and captive bird (monitoring) controlled zones. These measures apply from 00.01 on 18 April 2023 and will remain in force until this declaration is amended or revoked by further declaration in writing.

9 January 2023: The avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) was amended. It introduces a new measure for wild game birds “caught up” during the open season (under the Game Act 1831) - they must not be moved until a minimum of 21 days from the date of catching-up has elapsed. These measures apply from 12:00 on 9 January 2023 and will remain in force until this declaration is amended or revoked by further declaration in writing.

7 December 2022: The avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) was amended to clarify the position on the free flying of certain bird species and on the release of game birds. These measures apply from 16:00 on 7 December 2022 and will remain in force until this declaration is otherwise amended or revoked by further declaration in writing.

The AIPZ in England means it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers (whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks, specialist collection or just a few birds in a backyard flock) to follow strict biosecurity measures to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.

Download the revocation of an avian influenza prevention zone (PDF)

This revokes:

Declaration of an avian influenza prevention zone (England) - including mandatory biosecurity measures (PDF)

From 00:01 on 18 April 2023, this declaration revokes and replaces the:

Amended Declaration of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone - including housing measures (England) - 9 January 2023 (PDF)

This amends:

Amended declaration of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) including housing measures (England) (PDF) - 7 December 2022 (PDF)

This amends:

Declaration of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) including housing measures (England) (PDF)

This declaration revokes and replaces the:

Declaration of Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (England - Declaration of regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (England - Cornwall, Devon, Isles of Scilly and part of Somerset)

And the:

Declaration of a regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (England – Suffolk, Norfolk and parts of Essex)

The measures contained within the AIPZ are kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza. Any decisions on when to reinstate the AIPZ will be based on risk assessments containing the latest scientific and ornithological evidence and veterinary advice.

Published 7 November 2022
Last updated 4 July 2023 + show all updates

1. 4 July 2023

   The avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) was revoked from midday on 4 July 2023. The ban on poultry gatherings remains in force.

2. 17 April 2023

   The avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) was amended to remove the requirement for mandatory housing measures outside of protection zones and captive bird (monitoring) controlled zones. These measures apply from 00.01 on 18 April 2023 and will remain in force until this declaration is otherwise amended or revoked by further declaration in writing.

3. 9 January 2023

   Amended to reflect changes to the AIPZ from 9 January 2023 - introducing a 21-day standstill for all wild game birds caught-up during the open season.

4. 7 December 2022

   7 December: The avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) was amended to clarify the position on the free flying of certain bird species and on the release of game birds. These measures apply from 16.00 on 7 December 2022 and will remain in force until this declaration is otherwise amended or revoked by further declaration in writing.

5. 7 November 2022

   First published.