London: England’s poultry industry has been placed under strict new measures as the government announced a mandatory indoor housing order for all domestic birds, beginning Thursday. The decision comes amid a sharp escalation in avian influenza outbreaks across the country, part of a wider surge spreading through Europe this autumn.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said the new housing rule is designed to stop the virus from circulating further among flocks, particularly as migratory wild birds believed to be primary carriers arrive in large numbers from northern regions. Officials stressed that the measure is precautionary but essential to protect both animal health and the food supply chain.
The order was issued following confirmation of two new outbreaks in commercial farms, one in North Yorkshire and another in Devon, along with an additional case detected among captive birds in East Sussex. Since the beginning of the 2025–26 outbreak season on October 1, the United Kingdom has reported 23 confirmed infections, 19 of which were in England. Authorities warn that the pattern shows a worrying trend of faster and wider transmission than in previous years.
Under the new rules, all poultry and captive birds must be kept indoors to prevent contact with wild birds. Small-scale keepers with fewer than 50 birds will be exempt, but only if their eggs and poultry products are for private use and not for sale. Farmers are also required to strengthen biosecurity protocols including disinfecting equipment, controlling visitor access, and ensuring feed and water are protected from contamination.
Experts say the latest directive is crucial to prevent a repeat of past crises when millions of birds were culled, causing severe economic losses and pushing up food prices. The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, which has devastated poultry farms globally in recent years, has shown persistence across seasons and has now been detected in an increasing number of mammals, prompting renewed public health vigilance.
The government has reassured the public that the risk of bird flu transmission to humans remains very low. However, it cautioned that close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments could still pose risks, especially for those working directly with poultry. Veterinary teams will continue to monitor affected areas, and any sign of further spread may trigger additional restrictions or regional lockdowns.
Industry leaders have expressed concern about the financial and logistical strain the order may place on poultry farmers, particularly those operating free-range systems. Converting outdoor facilities to comply with indoor housing requirements could be challenging, especially in winter. Nonetheless, most producers have acknowledged the need for swift action to contain the virus and avoid more severe consequences later in the season.
Officials emphasized that public cooperation remains vital. Consumers have been reminded that properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat, and there is no evidence that bird flu poses a risk through food consumption.
The mandatory housing order represents one of the most comprehensive biosecurity steps taken by the UK in recent years. Authorities hope that strict compliance, early detection, and continued surveillance will prevent the kind of catastrophic losses seen in previous outbreaks. As the virus continues to circulate globally, Britain’s poultry sector faces weeks of uncertainty but for now, containment is the top priority.