North Northants bird keepers advised to follow national guidelines
Trading Standards29 January 2025

In response to the increased number of cases of avian influenza in poultry, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been extended to cover the whole of the England.
With this in mind, North Northamptonshire Council are reminding anyone who keeps birds outdoors that it is a legal requirement to register (if they haven’t already) with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
All keepers of poultry and other captive birds, including pet birds, in the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone must comply with the minimum biosecurity measures contained in the AIPZ Declaration.
Amongst other things the requirements 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
Requirements also include undertaking vermin control, where possible reducing the movement of people, vehicles and equipment and record keeping. A full list of the requirements can be found on online.
The zone is essential for protecting flocks from avian influenza and bird keepers are advised to consult the interactive map and then read the AIPZ declaration requirements.
We know this news is difficult for bird keepers, but we urge everyone to come together to stop the spread of this dreadful disease.Cllr David Brackenbury, the council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration
If you keep birds, please make sure you are up to date with the latest changes via the Gov.uk website and report any suspicious of Avian Flu in your own birds to the APHA by calling 03000 200 301.
With this national zone now enforced, it’s a good opportunity to make sure your flock is registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Registering birds means that keepers will receive important updates relevant to you, including details of local avian disease outbreaks and restrictions. All of this helps manage future, potential disease outbreaks and limit spread.Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council
The AIPZ will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review by central government.