North Northants bird keepers advised to follow avian influenza rules

13 November 2026

In response to the increased number of cases of avian influenza an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared which covers the whole of the England.

This means that:

from 9am on 11 November 2026 all keepers of poultry and other captive birds, including pet birds, in England must comply with the minimum biosecurity measures.
from 13 November 2026 anyone who keeps 50 or more birds or if they sell or give eggs, poultry products and live birds away must comply with mandatory housing measures.

Any keeper of poultry (including game birds and pet birds) or other captive birds, irrespective of how they are kept, must follow the biosecurity measures which include:

ensuring precautions are taken to avoid the direct or indirect transfer of virus contamination onto and between premises, including cleansing and disinfection of equipment, vehicles, and footwear.
placing foot dip containing Defra-approved poultry disinfectant at the correct dilution rate at strategic points including at the entry and exit of all houses or outdoor areas where birds are kept, and footwear must be cleaned using the dips on entry and exit or alternatively disposable overshoes or footwear should be changed when moving between bird and non-bird areas.
feed, water and bedding are stored under cover, and steps are taken to prevent access by wild birds and to minimise the risk of virus contamination.
undertaking vermin control.
reducing the movement of people, vehicles and equipment and record keeping.

A full list of the requirements can be found online via the Government website.

We know this news is difficult for bird keepers, but we urge everyone to come together to stop the spread of this dreadful disease.

If you keep birds, please make sure you are up to date with the latest changes via the Government website and report any suspicion of Avian Flu in your own birds to the APHA by calling 03000 200 301.Cllr Kirk Harrison, the Council’s Executive Member for Regulatory Services

The AIPZ will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review by central government.

People are being reminded to register poultry, even if only kept as pets, so Defra can contact them during an outbreak.