Avian Influenza Prevention Zones across England, Scotland and Wales have been lifted.
The decision was made after the risk of highly pathogenic bird flu fell, according to the latest assessment. Northern Ireland lifted its protection zone in May.
The prevention zones were lifted on 4 June, having been introduced on 13 December 2024 to help limit the spread of the virus and to protect domestic flocks.
Despite the reduction in risk, officials have warned that strong biosecurity remain essential and have urged bird keepers to stay vigilant and continue to follow good practice to prevent the risk of future outbreaks.
“The evidence clearly shows that the risk of avian influenza to poultry across Great Britain has reduced, making this the right time to lift the prevention zones,” said UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss.
“This has been possible because of the hard work of all bird keepers, who have upheld high biosecurity standards for many months,” she added. “It remains vital that keepers remain vigilant and maintain high levels of biosecurity to keep flocks safe. Low risk does not mean no risk.”
The British Poultry Council and British Egg Industry Council supported the move to lift the AIPZs and reiterated calls for bird keepers to continue to practice good biosecurity standards.
“Good biosecurity remains crucial to preventing disease incursions,” said BPC technical director Máire Burnett.
As of 5 June, there have been 101 confirmed bird flu cases, with England recording the highest number (80), followed by Scotland (nine), Wales (seven) and Northern Ireland (five).
Although many had expected the current outbreak season to be one of the worst in years, its total cases are below the 208 recorded in 2022-23 season and the 158 recorded in the 2021-22 season.
“This has been a challenging time for bird keepers across Scotland,” said Scotland’s chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas. “We appreciate their co-operation in maintaining good biosecurity even as the AIPZ is lifted.”
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