Bird flu restrictions eased with outdoor access from 9 April

Poultry keepers will be able to let birds outside again from 9 April, following updated guidance from Defra confirming that bird flu housing rules are to be lifted as risk levels fall.

The move will allow flocks to return outdoors after months of mandatory housing during the winter outbreak, providing a boost for producers — particularly those supplying free-range eggs — who have faced operational challenges while birds were kept inside.

Restrictions will end at 00:01 on Thursday 9 April 2026, with a seven-day notice period in place to give keepers time to prepare for the transition.

Deputy UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Jorge Martin-Almagro, said the decision reflects a reduced risk level, but warned that bird flu remains a threat.

“With the threat of avian influenza receding, birds can now be allowed access to ranges and outdoor areas.

"Although the risk to poultry has reduced, there remains a risk that poultry and other captive birds can still contract bird flu.

"I urge keepers to take steps to prepare outdoor areas before letting birds out. It is still essential that bird keepers remain vigilant and implement rigorous and strict biosecurity.”

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Richard Irvine added that preparation and vigilance remain key: “The lifting of the order will be welcome news for bird keepers.

"It’s important to get ready for lifting the housing order on 9 April, including to check and prepare ranges and outdoor areas.

"Whilst we are seeing risk levels reducing, bird flu has not gone away. Please continue to practice scrupulous hygiene and biosecurity to protect your birds."

Keepers are advised to ready sites before release, including cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water, and reintroducing measures to deter wild birds — a key source of infection.

However, not all areas will see restrictions lifted. Birds must remain housed in any designated protection zone or captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone, where the risk of avian influenza remains higher.

Strict biosecurity measures will also continue to apply across all holdings and must be followed to reduce the risk of further outbreaks, according to the guidance.

These include limiting contact between poultry and wild birds, maintaining high hygiene standards, and controlling access to sites.

The decision by Defra follows a reduction in avian influenza risk levels after a period of fewer cases. However, authorities have stressed that the disease has not disappeared and that vigilance remains essential as birds return outdoors.

The easing of restrictions is expected to bring some relief to the sector, particularly for free-range egg producers, who must meet outdoor access requirements to maintain their production status.

Mandatory biosecurity requirements will remain in place across England, Scotland and Wales as part of ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of avian influenza.