Poultry keepers across England and Scotland are now required to follow enhanced biosecurity measures following the introduction of nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZs), with additional mandatory housing measures coming into force in England.
The Scottish Government introduced its nationwide AIPZ on 10 November 2026, followed by Defra's England-wide declaration on 11 November. Both measures follow increasing detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild and kept birds.
The AIPZs apply to all poultry and other captive bird keepers, regardless of flock size, and make enhanced biosecurity a legal requirement.
What does an AIPZ mean for poultry producers?
An AIPZ requires producers to take additional precautions to reduce the risk of disease entering their premises and spreading between flocks.
Key requirements include maintaining effective cleansing and disinfection procedures, controlling access to poultry areas, reducing contact with wild birds, protecting feed and water supplies, and monitoring flock health.
Additional measures and record-keeping requirements apply depending on the location and size of the premises. Producers should familiarise themselves with the full requirements for their country.
Mandatory housing measures in England
In addition to enhanced biosecurity requirements, mandatory housing measures will come into force across England from 00:01 on Friday 13 November 2026.
These require keepers to house poultry and other captive birds where they keep 50 or more birds, or where they sell or give away eggs, poultry products or live birds, even with fewer than 50 birds. Certain exceptions apply.
Scotland's nationwide AIPZ does not currently introduce a general mandatory housing requirement.
Where housing is required, producers must continue to safeguard bird welfare, paying particular attention to ventilation, stocking densities, litter conditions, environmental enrichment and access to feed and water.
What about movements of birds, eggs and poultry products?
An AIPZ does not automatically prohibit routine movements of poultry, eggs or poultry products.
However, additional restrictions may apply within disease control zones established around confirmed outbreaks, including Protection and Surveillance Zones.
Producers should check the latest official disease control zone maps and confirm any licensing requirements before moving birds, eggs, poultry products or associated materials.
Five practical biosecurity checks to make now
With heightened disease pressure, reviewing everyday biosecurity procedures is an important step in reducing risk.
Dr Paul Talling, Biosecurity Advisor at Livetec, recommends focusing on five practical areas:
1. Check your entry and exit procedures
Review hygiene barriers, dedicated clothing and footwear, and disinfectant stations. Ensure disinfectants are correctly prepared, maintained and used consistently by everyone entering poultry areas.
2. Review site access and movements
Consider who and what needs to enter the site. Limit unnecessary visits, review vehicle movements and ensure contractors, delivery drivers and other visitors understand your biosecurity procedures.
3. Look for opportunities for wild bird contact
Walk the perimeter of your site. Check feed storage, water sources, drainage and areas where wild birds may gather. Address any opportunities for contamination, particularly around poultry housing and access routes.
4. Keep a close eye on flock health and welfare
Monitor mortality, feed and water consumption, egg production and bird behaviour. Where housing is required, review ventilation, litter quality, stocking densities and enrichment to maintain welfare.
5. Make sure your contingency plan is ready
Check that staff know what to do if disease is suspected, including who to contact and how to minimise further movements. Keep site information, records and emergency contact details accessible and up to date.
These checks complement, rather than replace, the mandatory requirements of the AIPZ.
Staying prepared
The introduction of AIPZs across England and Scotland reinforces the importance of maintaining effective biosecurity, not just during periods of heightened disease risk, but as part of everyday farm management.
Livetec works with poultry businesses to assess biosecurity risks, strengthen contingency plans and improve disease preparedness. Through practical on-farm advice and digital tools such as the Livestock Protect Platform, we help producers identify risks, manage essential information and support informed decision-making.
For the latest official requirements:
Suspected avian influenza in kept birds must be reported immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).