This announcement follows the lifting of mandatory housing measures on 18 April 2023. A ban on poultry gatherings remains in place.
Housing orders will still apply for poultry within protection zones and captive bird (monitoring) controlled zones.
Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said: “Now we are in the summer months and the risk to poultry across Great Britain has reduced, it is the right time to lift the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone.
“This would not have been possible without the hard work of all bird keepers, who have upheld high biosecurity standards for many months.
“However, there are still localised areas of risk as we have seen recently, and therefore it’s vital that everyone keeps biosecurity and cleanliness at the forefront of their minds to keep their flocks safe.”
Keep up to date with the government's latest announcements: GOV.UK | Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England
Crucial to remain vigilant
NFU Poultry Board chair James Mottershead said: “Poultry farmers have worked incredibly hard to minimise the threat of avian influenza and will continue to do all they can to protect the health and welfare of their birds.
“It remains incredibly important that everyone who keeps birds remains vigilant and continues to maintain stringent biosecurity measures.
“It remains incredibly important that everyone who keeps birds remains vigilant and continues to maintain stringent biosecurity measures.”
NFU Poultry Board chair, James Mottershead
“This is crucial whether you are a commercial farmer with thousands of birds or a hobby keeper with one hen in the garden.”
Risk levels
The risk of incursion of HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) in wild birds has been reduced to high.
The risk of incursion of HPAI in poultry with stringent biosecurity in place has been reduced to low.
The risk of incursion of HPAI in poultry with suboptimal biosecurity in place has been reduced to low.
Be vigilant
Poultry and captive bird keepers are advised to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.
Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.
There is no impact on the consumption of properly cooked poultry products including eggs.
If disease is suspected
Poultry and captive bird keepers and members of the public should report dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
Bird keepers should report suspicion of disease in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 0300 0200 301.
In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268.