“We are now taking the difficult step to extend the housing measures,” UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said, as Defra confirmed a national housing order for poultry across England from 00:01 on Thursday 6 November 2025 following rising H5N1 cases.

For Northern keepers, the rules are clear: if you keep more than 50 birds of any species, or any number of poultry where eggs or birds are given away or sold, you must house them. Smallholders with fewer than 50 birds for their own use are exempt, but everyone remains under the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone with strict biosecurity.

Two North Yorkshire sites - near Easingwold (2 November) and near Thirsk (3 November) - have confirmed H5N1 in commercial flocks. Each has a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone, with humane culling on site. Late‑October cases were also confirmed in Lincolnshire at Swineshead and Donington.

A further case was confirmed today near Wells‑next‑the‑Sea in North Norfolk. For the 2025/26 season, confirmed totals now stand at 20 in England, 3 in Wales and 1 in Northern Ireland - 24 in all - and, under World Organisation for Animal Health rules, the UK is no longer considered free of HPAI.

The AIPZ ramps up on‑farm hygiene: keep feed and bedding under cover, disinfect footwear and equipment, limit movements on and off the yard, maintain vermin control and keep fresh disinfectant at entry points. Officials say these steps cut infection pressure when cases rise.

Events are tighter too. Bird gatherings are off limits where housing is in force and strictly controlled elsewhere. In an AIPZ you cannot feed wild gamebirds within 500 metres of premises with more than 500 captive birds. If you find dead wild birds, don’t touch - report and wash hands thoroughly.

Vaccination remains off the table for poultry in England. Only zoos can vaccinate and only with APHA authorisation, while Defra and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate continue to review candidates through the avian influenza vaccination taskforce.

Public health advice is steady: UKHSA says the risk to the general public is very low, and the Food Standards Agency says properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat. UKHSA reiterated the low risk after a rare human H5N1 case linked to direct bird contact in January.

Avian‑origin influenza in mammals is notifiable. Vets must report suspected influenza A or detected antibodies in wild or kept mammals to APHA immediately - 03000 200 301 in England - with penalties for failing to do so.

Egg producers worried about labels can breathe easier. Since 22 January 2025, free‑range eggs can continue to be sold as free range during housing orders - a change the NFU says cuts costs and confusion for producers across the North. Movement licences may still be required for birds, eggs and by‑products in control zones.