Bird Flu Fears: UK Orders Farmers to Keep Poultry Inside 2026

Bird flu fears have prompted the UK government to order farmers and birdkeepers across England and Scotland to keep poultry and captive birds inside for the second consecutive year. The mandatory housing measures aim to protect flocks from a devastating strain of avian influenza that is spreading rapidly in wild and kept birds.

The England-wide avian influenza prevention zone requires anyone with 50 or more poultry or captive birds to house them indoors. Scotland issued a similar nationwide declaration on Tuesday, following an escalating number of confirmed cases.

Why the UK Is Acting Now

The government said the decision followed an increased risk and a rising number of confirmations of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in both kept and wild birds. A prevention zone was also declared across all of England, Scotland and Wales in 2025, underscoring the persistent threat.

The disease has been spreading rapidly since 2014 and has devastated UK wild bird populations since the summer of 2021. It has also crossed into an unusually broad range of species worldwide, including four of the five main southern elephant seal populations.

In some south Atlantic colonies, more than 90% of newborn pups have died, alongside about half of all adult females. The virus has also been detected in humans, with 11 deaths recorded globally between 1 January and 4 August 2025.

What the Prevention Zones Require

Under the new rules, birdkeepers must follow enhanced biosecurity measures. These include reporting changes in egg production and reporting suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

The housing order applies to farms with 50 or more birds, but all keepers are urged to remain vigilant. Smaller flocks are not legally required to house birds, but officials recommend taking extra precautions.

• Housing order: Poultry and captive birds must be kept inside in England and Scotland.
• Biosecurity: Enhanced measures such as disinfecting equipment and limiting visitors are mandatory.
• Reporting: Any suspected disease or drop in egg production must be reported to APHA immediately.
• Scope: The order applies to premises with 50 or more birds, but all keepers should stay alert.
• Duration: The zones will remain in place until the risk level decreases.

Impact on Farmers and the Poultry Industry

The housing order presents logistical and financial challenges for poultry farmers. Keeping birds inside can increase stress, affect egg production, and raise costs for feed and bedding.

However, the measures are seen as necessary to prevent the catastrophic losses experienced in previous outbreaks. The UK poultry sector has faced repeated disruptions, and a severe outbreak could threaten food supplies and livelihoods.

Consumers may see limited impact on availability, but prices could rise if outbreaks lead to culling or reduced production. The government continues to monitor the situation closely.

Global Spread and Human Risk

The current strain of bird flu has spread across an unusually broad range of species, from wild birds to marine mammals. This wide host range increases the opportunities for the virus to mutate and potentially adapt to humans.

While human infections remain rare, the 11 deaths recorded globally in 2025 highlight the severity of the disease when it does jump to people. Most human cases have been linked to close contact with infected birds.

Health authorities emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low, but those working with poultry should take precautions.

What to Watch Next

The situation is evolving, and further measures could be introduced if outbreaks continue. Farmers should stay informed through official channels and adhere strictly to biosecurity protocols.

For a deeper look at how this outbreak is affecting frontline workers, see our coverage of the Australia bird flu outbreak: distress on the frontline. The emotional and psychological toll on farmers and responders is significant.

Meanwhile, the virus's threat to native species is not confined to the UK. In New Zealand, conservationists are warning that bird flu in New Zealand threatens native species, many of which have no immunity to the virus.

Australia has already confirmed its first mass mortality event, as detailed in our report on the bird flu Australia: first mass mortality event confirmed. The event has raised concerns about the virus's ability to cause widespread deaths in wild populations.

In response, Australia has begun vaccinating captive birds against the H5 strain. The program, covered in Australia vaccinates captive birds against H5 bird flu, aims to protect valuable collections and prevent spread.

Scientists are also asking whether the virus could drive some species to extinction. Our analysis of bird flu catastrophic die-offs: could extinctions follow examines the long-term risks to biodiversity.

In Western Australia, the crisis is threatening iconic black swans. The bird flu crisis threatens Western Australia's black swans, with reports of unusual mortality events.

Volunteers play a crucial role in tracking the outbreak. Learn how bird flu Australia: how volunteers track H5N1 outbreak is helping authorities respond quickly.

As the Northern Hemisphere enters flu season, the UK's early vaccination advice for seasonal flu is also relevant. The early flu season in England: urgent vaccination advice highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable groups.

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