Bird keepers across North Yorkshire, County Durham and Northumberland can open pop-holes again this morning. From 00:01 on Thursday 9 April, Defra lifted the national housing rules for poultry and other captive birds in England after a winter of heightened controls. If you’re still inside a local Protection Zone or Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone, the rules there continue to apply, so keep birds housed until restrictions are lifted. (gov.uk)

Defra stresses that the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) remains in place nationwide, meaning biosecurity is still a legal requirement. Keepers should check the Defra disease zone map and read the current restrictions before letting birds range. (gov.uk)

Closer to home, the Animal and Plant Health Agency confirmed the 3km protection zone around March’s outbreak near Pickering, Thirsk and Malton ended on 31 March and the area moved into a wider surveillance zone. In Northumberland, the 3km captive bird monitoring zone near Ancroft was revoked on 20 March following successful disease control work. (gov.uk)

Officials still judge the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5) in wild birds as medium. Exposure risk for poultry is assessed as low where strong biosecurity is applied, and low with medium uncertainty where it’s patchy. UKHSA says the risk to the public’s health is very low, while the Food Standards Agency confirms properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat. (gov.uk)

“Birds can now be allowed access to ranges,” said Deputy UK Chief Veterinary Officer Jorge Martin‑Almagro, “but remain vigilant and implement strict biosecurity.” His message is simple: turnout is back, but standards cannot slip. (gov.uk)

Producers’ groups are welcoming the move but urging caution. “The risk has not gone away; we strongly urge members to remain vigilant and maintain high standards of biosecurity,” said Gary Ford of the British Free Range Egg Producers Association, noting that Protection and Monitoring Zones still override local decisions. (bfrepa.co.uk)

For North farms opening ranges for the first time in months, the preparation list is practical: clean and disinfect hard standings with a Defra‑approved product, fence or net off ponds and wet areas, remove spilled feed that attracts wild birds, and keep feed and bedding under cover. Foot dips at entry points and dedicated clothing remain essential. (bfrepa.co.uk)

Welfare matters too. After long periods indoors, birds may need a gradual return outside over several days to reduce stress and pecking. Defra advises using the coming days to prepare ranges and reintroduce wild‑bird deterrents before opening up. (gov.uk)

There’s a business angle here for processors and growers as well. The government changed poultry meat marketing rules in April 2025 so free‑range poultry meat can continue to be labelled as such during housing orders, easing some of the stop‑start disruption seen in past winters. This change relates to poultry meat; egg labelling follows separate rules. (gov.uk)

By the numbers, the 2025–26 season has been active: APHA lists 96 confirmed HPAI H5N1 cases across the UK so far, including 75 in England, nine in Scotland, seven in Wales and five in Northern Ireland. The UK therefore remains not free from HPAI under World Organisation for Animal Health rules. (gov.uk)

Smallholders and backyard keepers should remember that bird gatherings such as shows and sales still need the appropriate licence, and movement of birds, eggs or by‑products may require permission depending on your area. Defra is also reminding keepers to register premises within one month of keeping birds in England or Wales. (gov.uk)

Out and about, don’t touch dead or sick wild birds-report them via the government helpline and check APHA’s weekly updates on wild bird findings. With spring migration ongoing across Europe, experts say risk can persist into late spring, so keep an eye on official updates and your vet’s advice. (gov.uk)