Due to the heightened risk of avian influenza, new housing measures for poultry and captive birds came into effect today (14 December 2020) across England, Scotland and Wales. These housing measures build on the strengthened biosecurity regulations that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) on 11 November. The new measures mean it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers, whether they have a few birds or thousands, to keep their birds indoors or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds.
Avian flu is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of avian flu in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately to DEFRA.
If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, this should also be reported to DEFRA.