Influenza Prevention Zone
Control Status: In Force
Last updated: 20 August 2025
Case number: AIPZ (England)
Disease Type: Bird flu (avian influenza)
Disease control zone type: Avian Influenza Prevention Zone
Virus strain: ALL
Case opened date: 13 December 2024
Details:
20 August 2025 – coming into force on 26 August 2025
The AIPZ with mandatory biosecurity measures in England has been updated to include additional biosecurity measures for game bird rearers and shoot operators.
From 26 August 2025, game bird rearers and shoot operators must:
disinfect any vehicles upon first entry to the site and each day they are in use
provide one feeding station per 60 released game birds
clean feeding and watering stations daily to remove faecal matter, feathers and spilled feed
cover feeding and, where possible, watering stations to avoid contamination from wild bird droppings
avoid feeding placed pheasants in release pens within 50 metres of a water body frequented by ducks and other wildfowl
avoid feeding placed game birds in release pens within 500 metres of any poultry or other kept birds
during the open season, check placed game birds in release pens daily for signs of avian influenza
conduct a daily search of the area within and up to a 50 metre radius surrounding the perimeter of release pens for carcasses of dead game birds and dead wild birds
report dead wild birds to Defra using the dead wild bird reporting tool and dispose of carcasses appropriately
keep detailed records of all visitors to the site (including deliveries and collections)
Note:
Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease. If type of bird flu in poultry is suspected keepers must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, they should contact their local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.
If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77).