Preparing to let birds outside again from Thursday 9 April 2026

Chickens outside in garden

Mandatory housing measures for poultry and other captive birds will be lifted in England and Wales from 00:01am on Thursday 9 April 2026.

As birds may have been housed for several months, there is a seven day notice period to give keepers time to prepare.

Keepers should follow the guidance on preparing to let birds outside again, including cleansing and disinfecting hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroducing wild bird deterrents.

Birds must still be housed if you are in a protection zone or captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone. All keepers must continue to follow strict biosecurity measures to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.

The housing measures are being lifted because bird flu risk levels have reduced.

Mandatory biosecurity measures remain in place in England, Scotland and Wales.

There are currently no changes to the rules for bird gatherings, which still require an individual licence from APHA. Rules for bird gatherings are due to be reviewed by Defra in light of the reduced bird flu risk level.

Bernie Bentick Portfolio Holder for Health and Public Protection said:

“This is great news from Defra’s APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) and is a welcome relief for all poultry keepers especially the commercial flocks that the risk threat of Avian Influenza is reduced this time of year.

The Animal Health Team at Shropshire Council has worked hard to advise bird keepers on enhanced bio security and legal requirements. Bird keepers should still remain vigilant, take Bio Security seriously and register with Defra as a Poultry Keeper to get regular updates on the disease situation.”