From today, the UK government is extending the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to reduce the risk of further transmission of this highly infectious disease. Therefore, the existing AIPZ covering the East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk has extended to include Shropshire, York and North Yorkshire. The AIPZ comprises enhanced biosecurity and housing for kept birds. Additionally, an AIPZ imposing enhanced biosecurity without housing also came into force on 25 January 2025 across all other areas of England with a similar measure in place in Scotland. It is therefore a legal requirement for all bird keepers in England and Scotland to follow strict biosecurity measures. Avian hosts of the H5N1 influenza A virus include a wide variety of birds, therefore biosecurity measures apply to all keepers of birds, from pet birds to commercial flocks.

Follow this link for details of disinfectants manufactured and distributed in the UK that have been certified effective against the avian influenza virus and approved for use in the UK by DEFRA.

For more information released from the UK government click here.