Information for Keepers of Birds

You should register your poultry, even if only kept as pets, so we can contact you during a disease outbreak. This is a legal requirement all bird keepers from 1 October 2024 (not just keepers of 50+ birds as previously).

Poultry includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeon (bred for meat), partridge, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants. Keepers are encouraged to register in advance of the 1 October legal deadline.

These changes are intended to help manage potential disease outbreaks such as Avian Influenza and limit any spread. The information on the register is used to identify all keepers in disease control zones, allowing for more effective surveillance and for zones to be lifted at the earliest possible opportunity.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Find out where to get the latest information and guidance

GOV.UK has the latest situation in England for avian flu. This includes what biosecurity rules bird keepers must follow to prevent avian flu.

Check what zone you’re in on the bird flu disease zone map. By law, you must follow the rules for the disease control zone that you’re in.

If bird flu is suspected, 3km and 10km temporary control zones may be put in place around the infected premises.

If bird flu is confirmed, disease control zones are put in place around the premises to stop it spreading.

When a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (the most serious type of bird flu) has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds, one of the following controls are put in place around the infected premises:

• a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone
• a 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone

When a case of low pathogenic avian influenza (the less serious type of bird flu) has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds, a 1km restricted zone may be put in place around the infected premises.

Sometimes larger zones are put in place to reduce the risk of bird flu spreading.

There are specific rules for each disease control zone. You can find these in the declarations on the disease cases and control zones finder.

Disease control zones continue to apply until they’re withdrawn or amended by a further declaration. Disease control zones are only lifted when all the disease control and surveillance activities within the zone have been completed.

In all disease control zones, you must:

• follow the biosecurity rules to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading
• keep a record of anyone that transports or markets poultry or poultry eggs (there are exemptions for table eggs)
• follow the rules for marking, sourcing, cutting, transporting and storing fresh meat and meat products
• comply with any biosecurity rules imposed by a veterinary inspector
• not organise or attend bird gatherings (including bird fairs, markets, shows, sales, exhibitions and some premises used for dealing or internet sales)
• not release game birds

How to prevent Avian Influenza and stop it spreading

The main causes of bird flu in poultry and other captive birds are contact with:

• wild birds, in particular waterfowl such as geese, ducks and swans and gulls
• faeces from infected birds
• dirty footwear, clothing and vehicles and equipment

It is vital that everyone who owns birds maintains strong biosecurity to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Avian influenza 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.

Report sick or injured wild birds

You can report sick or injured wild birds to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999

Wild birds

If you find dead wild birds, do not pick them up. Instead, you should report them to the  DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

Protecting people from bird flu

Bird flu mainly affects birds. It can affect humans and other mammals. The UK Health Security Agency advise that the risk from this bird flu strain is very low.

The Food Standards Agency advise that it is safe to eat properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs.

For more advice go to the:

• NHS website

Landowners, local authorities and other organisations can download and print bird flu posters to display on site when there is a risk of bird flu or if bird has been detected in the area.