The Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZs) that have been in force across Great Britain are scheduled to be lifted from noon on 4 June 2026. This announcement reflects a decrease in the risk of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, which has necessitated stringent biosecurity measures for poultry and other captive birds over recent months.
The AIPZs were initially implemented to protect poultry flocks and other captive birds from the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. These zones required bird keepers, regardless of the size of their flock, to adhere to specific biosecurity rules, such as housing birds indoors or netting them to prevent contact with wild birds, and maintaining rigorous hygiene practices. The lifting of these zones will come as a relief to many in the poultry industry and hobbyist bird keepers.
While the formal zones are being lifted, the threat of avian influenza has not entirely disappeared. Authorities continue to advise all bird keepers to maintain good biosecurity practices on their premises. This includes regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment, vehicles, and footwear, minimising visitor access to bird enclosures, and controlling rodents and other pests that could carry the virus.
The decision to lift the AIPZs is based on scientific assessment of the current epidemiological situation, including surveillance data and expert advice. The aim of such zones is to curb the spread of the virus from wild birds to domestic poultry, thereby safeguarding animal health and reducing potential economic impacts on the agricultural sector.
Avian influenza can have devastating effects on bird populations, leading to mass culling of infected flocks to prevent further spread. The disease also carries a very low, but present, risk of transmission to humans, although this is rare and typically occurs through close contact with infected birds. The ongoing monitoring and rapid response to outbreaks remain critical components of the UK's strategy to manage the disease.