The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has ordered mandatory housing for poultry and captive birds across the whole of England from 00:01 on Friday 13 November 2026, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs announced. The order follows increased risk and a rising number of confirmations of highly pathogenic avian influenza in kept birds, along with findings in wild birds.

Under the measures, keepers with 50 or more birds, or those who sell or give away eggs, poultry products or live birds, must house their flocks, with exceptions such as some zoo birds. An England-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone also took effect immediately, requiring enhanced biosecurity from all keepers, including pet owners and backyard flocks. Measures include record keeping, disinfecting footwear, regular cleansing of housing and walkways, and limiting contact between captive and wild birds.

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss urged keepers to comply, stay alert for signs of disease and report suspected cases to the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Officials said they do not currently anticipate an overall impact on the availability of Christmas turkeys or other seasonal poultry, that the risk to human health remains very low, and that properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat.