Poultry News

Rising cases of avian influenza across the UK mean that commercial and some backyard poultry keepers in England are now legally required to house their birds and step up on their biosecurity. 

All poultry and captive birds on farms across Northern Ireland must now be kept indoors following the confirmation of new bird flu cases.

DEFRA confirmed that due to the escalating number and expanding area of cases of avian influenza, the prevention zone with mandatory housing measures will be extended to the whole of England.

UK government has confirmed that a number of visas allocated for the 2026 Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS) have now been finalised. 

In response to increased findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds, confirmation of new cases in poultry and kept birds, and amid increasing risk levels, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone with housing measures will be introduced for north, central and parts of east of England to to help reduce the risk of further outbreaks. 

Over the weekend, DEFRA confirmed several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 across England and Wales. 

Prices of chicken have marked the biggest increase this summer, according to the AIMS meat and poultry inflation tracker for August 2025.

Poultry farmers and other bird keepers are being warned to tighten their biosecurity measures – particularly those involved in running a shoot or game bird rearing.

UK egg producers should remain vigilant in managing salmonella risk and not let success lead to complacency, industry experts warned.

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in the UK, with recent cases discovered near Dulverton, Somerset.

RSPCA Assured is setting up new welfare standards for chickens which will come into effect in September. 

Find out how Diane Scott financed a 24,000-hen egg production business.