Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to his Department's news story entitled Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England, updated on 22 May 2025, what criteria were used to determine the lifting of mandatory housing measures for (a) poultry and (b) captive birds.

During periods of increased risk of avian influenza Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZ) mandating enhanced biosecurity, with or without mandatory housing, are utilised to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of disease occurring.

The risk of avian influenza remains heightened and AIPZs remain in force across Great Britain. However, following a reduction in risk levels the mandatory AIPZ housing measures which have been in force across the highest risk areas of England were lifted from 00:01 on 22 May 2025. However, mandatory housing of all poultry and other captive birds is still a legal requirement within any Protection Zone or Captive Bird Monitoring Controlled Zone in force surrounding an infected premises where avian influenza has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds.

The need for an AIPZ is kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza, and measures are introduced in a phased and escalating manner proportionate to risk in an area. Any decisions on when to introduce or amend AIPZs including the addition or removal of mandatory housing measures either on a regional or national basis are based on risk assessments, which are published on gov.uk and contain the latest scientific and ornithological evidence and veterinary advice.

Housing measures are intended to reduce the risk that poultry and other captive birds will come into contact either directly or indirectly with wild birds which may be infected with avian influenza. When utilised, the enhanced biosecurity measures including housing mandated by an AIPZ have been vital in protecting flocks across the country from avian influenza.