A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has been confirmed in a dead wild buzzard found in Winterbourne Stoke, Wiltshire. The bird was submitted to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) as part of its ongoing wild bird surveillance scheme.
Following the escalating number of confirmed cases in both kept and wild birds across the country, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer has introduced a mandatory housing order for the whole of England, effective from 00:01 on Thursday 6th November 2025.
This means that all bird keepers - whether they manage a commercial flock, a smallholding, or a few pet hens - must now house their poultry and captive birds to protect them from contact with wild birds. The order applies to anyone keeping more than 50 birds or selling or giving away eggs, with limited exemptions such as some zoo collections.
A Great Britain-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) remains in force, requiring strict biosecurity measures. These include cleaning and disinfecting footwear and housing, keeping feed and bedding indoors, reducing vehicle and people movement around flocks, and maintaining vermin control.
Local dog wardens will also be putting up warning posters along the River Till, a popular dog walking area near Winterbourne Stoke, reminding the public not to touch dead or sick wild birds and to keep dogs on leads.
While the risk to humans remains low, bird flu can affect mammals including dogs. Pet owners are advised to contact their vet if their animal becomes unwell after potential contact with wild birds.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “Given the continued increase in the number of avian influenza cases in kept birds and wild birds across England, we are now taking the difficult step to extend the housing measures to the whole of England.
"I appreciate the impact these measures have on industry and am extremely grateful for the continued cooperation of the poultry sector. We know from previous years that housing birds will bring the rates of infection down from the high we are currently experiencing.”
The public are urged to stay on footpaths, keep dogs under control, and not to feed wild waterfowl. Any sightings of dead wild birds can be reported online at www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds or via the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
Properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat.
Further information and updates are available at www.gov.uk/birdflu.
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