The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said mandatory housing orders for poultry and other captive birds have been lifted across England and Wales [1].
The change matters because it eases restrictions on farmers and hobbyists, allowing birds to roam outdoors where they are no longer required to be confined in barns unless the keeper is in a protection or monitoring zone – a shift that could reduce costs and improve animal welfare [2].
DEFRA said the decision follows a marked decline in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases. Only a handful of new outbreaks have been recorded in European commercial poultry over the past two weeks, signaling an early easing of the situation [3].
The agency said the lifting of orders applies to all poultry and captive birds kept outside designated protection zones. Keepers in zones where the virus is still present must continue to follow existing bio‑security measures, including indoor housing and regular testing [1][2].
Industry groups said the move, noting that the previous mandatory indoor housing introduced in late 2025 had disrupted normal farming practices and added to operational costs. They expect the new flexibility to help restore normal production cycles while still maintaining vigilance against any resurgence of the virus [2].
Veterinary officials said the relaxation does not mean the threat is gone. Ongoing surveillance will continue, and any new outbreak could trigger a rapid reinstatement of restrictions. Farmers are urged to monitor their flocks closely and report any signs of illness immediately [1].
The decision aligns with broader European trends, where several countries have reported fewer HPAI cases as the winter season ends. Analysts said the decline may be linked to improved bio‑security protocols adopted during the peak of the outbreak and natural seasonal factors that limit virus spread [3].
What this means: The lifting of mandatory housing orders reflects the UK's assessment that bird‑flu risk has subsided sufficiently to allow more normal farming operations. While the move reduces regulatory burdens, authorities will keep close watch on the disease, ready to re‑impose controls if new cases emerge. The balance aims to support the poultry sector's recovery without compromising public and animal health safeguards.
“Mandatory housing orders are no longer required for birds outside protection zones.”
The relaxation signals confidence that the bird‑flu wave is receding, allowing poultry producers to resume outdoor rearing and reduce compliance costs, but it also places responsibility on farmers to maintain vigilance as surveillance continues.
