England has today, Thursday 9 April 2026, lifted the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) housing measures. From 00:01, most bird keepers can let flocks back outside, unless they are inside a protection zone or a captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone. Mandatory biosecurity across Great Britain remains in place, and UKHSA continues to judge the risk to the public as very low. (gov.uk)

Practically, this is a cautious reset, not a green light to drop standards. Check your status on Defra’s live disease‑control map and follow the rules that apply to your zone. Movements of poultry, eggs, related materials and even some mammals remain restricted inside control zones and often require a general or specific licence-plan movements in advance and keep records up to date. (gov.uk)

Risk levels were refreshed this week. APHA assesses the risk of HPAI H5 in wild birds as medium across Great Britain, while the risk of exposure for poultry is low-rare-with more uncertainty where biosecurity is suboptimal than where it is consistently strong. In short, good yard discipline materially reduces risk. (gov.uk)

For context, the 2025–26 outbreak season (from 1 October 2025) has recorded 96 confirmed HPAI H5N1 cases in the UK: 75 in England, 9 in Scotland, 7 in Wales and 5 in Northern Ireland, plus one low‑pathogenic case. Previous seasons logged 82 cases in 2024–25, 6 in 2023–24, 207 in 2022–23 and 158 in 2021–22, according to APHA. (gov.uk)

Before birds return to range, tidy the risk factors. Government guidance highlights simple steps that cut contact with wild birds: clean and disinfect hard surfaces, fence off ponds and standing water, and reintroduce deterrents. Reinforce the basics-refresh foot‑dips, keep visitor logs, and pen ducks and geese separately from other species. (gov.uk)

Land managers and ringers have near‑real‑time tools to guide decisions. Defra and APHA host an interactive map of wild‑bird mortality and a live dashboard of confirmed findings, with weekly reports tracking detections across Great Britain. Use these to target signage, plan access and focus clean‑ups where they matter most. (experience.arcgis.com)

In gardens, feeding is fine with good hygiene. The British Trust for Ornithology recommends cleaning feeders and water baths regularly, rotating feeding spots to avoid waste build‑up, and washing hands after handling kit-habits that help slow avian influenza and other bird diseases. Avoid feeding near premises that keep poultry, and report any dead wild birds rather than handling them. (bto.org)

Vaccines are not a shortcut. Poultry and most captive birds in England cannot be vaccinated against bird flu; only licensed zoos can vaccinate where they meet eligibility criteria and receive APHA authorisation. A joint industry–government vaccination taskforce continues to assess options as evidence and products evolve, with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate tracking development. (gov.uk)

Avian influenza can infect some mammals and is treated seriously. Influenza of avian origin is notifiable in both wild and kept mammals, so vets and laboratories must report suspected or non‑negative results immediately-03000 200 301 in England and 03003 038 268 in Wales-or risk breaking the law. APHA publishes findings and guidance for wildlife professionals. (gov.uk)

Food and public‑health advice remains steady. The Food Standards Agency says properly cooked poultry, game birds and eggs are safe to eat and that bird flu poses a very low food‑safety risk for consumers; UKHSA continues to assess the risk to the general public as very low. Stick to routine kitchen hygiene and thorough cooking. (food.gov.uk)

Planning shows or fairs? Outside disease‑control zones, gatherings of passerines, pigeons, parrots and birds of prey can proceed under the general licence, while gatherings of galliformes, anseriformes and ratites require a specific licence. Check again close to the date-local controls can change quickly. (gov.uk)

What to watch next: as spring migration peaks, local risk can shift. Keepers and rangers who track APHA’s weekly wild‑bird reports and Defra’s disease‑zone map will react faster if restrictions return. For extra support, Defra’s ‘stop the spread’ webinars package practical steps for backyard keepers, commercial flocks and vets alike. (gov.uk)