The United Kingdom ordered mandatory housing of poultry across England from Friday, November 13, amid a rise in bird flu cases. The measure covers keepers with 50 or more birds and adds biosecurity and disinfection requirements.
The United Kingdom's veterinary service ordered mandatory housing of poultry across England starting Friday, November 13, following an increase in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) cases in both farmed and wild birds. The decision covers all keepers with 50 or more birds that sell or give away eggs, poultry products and live birds.
"Bird keepers are urged to comply with the housing measures and to apply stringent biosecurity, staying alert for any signs of disease and reporting any suspected case immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Having a confirmed case of bird flu can be devastating," said the United Kingdom's Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss.
Since October 1, 2026, the country has recorded 9 outbreaks of the disease in domestic birds: 7 in England and 2 in Scotland. The most recent cases, detected between November 4 and 11, occurred in commercial premises, forcing the authorities to cull the affected birds and to establish 3-kilometer protection zones, followed by 10-kilometer surveillance zones.
The United Kingdom is going through a particularly sensitive period, since during the northern autumn it receives migratory birds from northern Europe, where virus circulation is also increasing.
Along with the mandatory housing order, the authorities added biosecurity measures that include the notification of changes in egg production, mandatory record-keeping, footwear disinfection and regular cleaning and disinfection of facilities and concrete walkways.
Last April, the Government lifted a similar measure to reduce the health risk. Each year, the United Kingdom produces around 8 million turkeys. Ahead of the holidays, the authorities clarified: "At present, we do not foresee any impact on the overall availability of Christmas turkeys or other seasonal poultry for consumers."
As for the risk to people, the authorities stated that "the current risk to human health from bird flu remains very low. The FSA states that poultry and its products, including eggs, properly cooked, are safe to consume."
