Nov 8th, 2021
3 mins
At 5pm on 3rd November 2021, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) came into force across the whole of Great Britain.
The AIPZ means all bird keepers in GB (whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) are required by law to take a range of biosecurity precautions.
Further details of the measures that apply in the AIPZ in England can be found in the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declaration
For further information on the AIPZ in:
- Scotland – see the Scottish Government website
- Wales – see the Welsh Government website
To assist all bird keepers in complying with the new rules, Government have updated the biosecurity guidance and self-assessment checklist.
The decision to implement the AIPZ was made due to evidence from Europe and on avian influenza findings in wild birds in GB. It follows a risk assessment containing the latest scientific evidence and veterinary advice.
The AIPZ now in force across GB, does not include a requirement to house birds. However, this is being kept under constant review. With the increased risk of avian influenza during the winter, the need to include a mandatory housing requirement in the AIPZ may happen.
For the very latest updates on the Avian Influenza situation please click here
