In response to the increased number of cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry in new areas of the country, the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is being extended to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease.
From Monday 27 January the AIPZ mandating enhanced biosecurity and housing for kept birds currently in force across East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk will be extended to also include the unitary authorities of Shropshire, York and North Yorkshire.
In addition, an AIPZ mandating enhanced biosecurity but without mandatory housing will come into force from noon on Saturday 25 January 2025 across all other areas of England. A similar zone will also apply in Scotland.
The AIPZ measures apply to all bird keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock and are essential to protecting flocks from avian influenza.