New housing measures launched to guard poultry and captive birds in Westmorland and Furness

In response to elevated findings of extremely pathogenic avian influenza (chicken flu) in wild and stored birds, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with housing measures will come into power from 00:01 on 30 October 2025 throughout north, central and elements of east England, together with Cumbria.

The measures apply to keepers with greater than 50 birds, and to those that promote or give away eggs or poultry merchandise, as a result of elevated biosecurity dangers related to buying and selling. These keepers should now home their birds to guard them from chicken flu.

Hobby keepers with fewer than 50 birds who don’t promote or give away eggs will not be required to deal with their birds, however should proceed to observe good biosecurity.

Councillor John Murray, Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services at Westmorland and Furness Council, stated:

“These measures are vital to protect birds in Westmorland and Furness and beyond. Bird keepers should act responsibly by following the housing requirements and maintaining strong biosecurity. While the risk to human health remains low, it’s important that everyone, from keepers to local businesses, plays their part in preventing the spread of bird flu.”

The danger to human well being stays very low, and correctly cooked poultry merchandise, together with eggs, stay suitable for eating”.

The AIPZ stays in power throughout Great Britain, requiring all chicken keepers, whether or not they have pet birds, a small yard flock or a industrial unit, to observe enhanced biosecurity, together with cleansing and disinfecting housing and tools, and preserving detailed data.

Members of the general public shouldn’t contact or transfer lifeless wild birds and will report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

For extra data, together with the affected areas and full steering for chicken keepers, go to: Housing measures introduced to protect poultry and other captive birds – GOV.UK