Avian Influenza Housing Order: How to Keep Your Game Birds and Poultry Safe and Secure

With confirmed cases of Avian Influenza rising across England, DEFRA has introduced a mandatory national housing order affecting bird keepers throughout the country. If you’re responsible for game birds or poultry, you’re facing a critical decision: how do you comply with the new regulations while keeping your flock healthy and secure? 

While the risk is high, taking the right precautions can help keep your flock safe. At Collins Nets, we’re supporting gamekeepers, poultry keepers and estates with trusted bird flu netting and poultry netting solutions designed to help you meet DEFRA’s latest housing rules. 

Understanding the Latest DEFRA Requirements 

On 6 November 2025, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer extended the avian influenza housing order to cover the whole of England following an escalating number of confirmed cases in both wild and captive birds. The mandatory measures now require all keepers with more than 50 birds, or anyone who sells or gives away eggs (regardless of flock size), to house their birds or take strict separation measures. 

A GB-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) remains in force, requiring all bird keepers to follow enhanced biosecurity protocols. The core objective is straightforward: reduce direct and indirect contact between your captive birds and wild birds to limit disease spread. 

Game bird housing presents particular challenges, as pheasants, partridges and waterfowl aren’t always suited to traditional indoor housing. 

DEFRA recommends using bird flu netting to create fully enclosed outdoor areas where complete housing isn’t practical. These measures will remain in place until further notice, so we recommend checking the DEFRA website regularly for updates specific to your region and circumstances. 

How to Protect Your Flock 

Now that you understand the regulatory requirements, let’s explore the practical steps you can take to safeguard your birds.

Housing and Containment 

The most effective way to prevent infection is covering pens, runs and enclosures with reliable netting that creates a physical barrier between your birds and wild species.  

DEFRA guidance provides an allowance of up to 50mm for netting mesh size, though state that smaller mesh sizes (19/25mm) are ideal for preventing small birds from entering. The reasoning for allowing up to 50mm is that in exposed areas, heavy snowfall can accumulate, potentially breaking netting with smaller mesh sizes. 

For game bird housing where traditional structures aren’t feasible, fully netted outdoor areas provide an excellent compromise. Ducks, geese and game birds that resist indoor confinement can be safely managed in covered runs. When installing poultry netting, focus on covering all gaps openings in sheds, barns and temporary structures to prevent wild bird access. 

Pay special attention to preventing wild birds from perching on roofing and defecating through the netting. Consider adding deterrents such as spike strips or flutter tape to discourage roosting. Check and repair nets regularly, as even small tears can compromise your biosecurity. In areas prone to harsh weather, add windbreaks using straw bales or tarpaulin to protect both birds and netting structures. 

Our Shelterflex Waterproof Sheeting is a heavy-duty, 250gsm reinforced plastic sheeting that’s far stronger than traditional scaffold sheeting. UV-stabilised and 100% waterproof, it’s ideal for cladding brooder houses and rearing pens, protecting against wild birds and adverse weather. With approximately 70% light transmission and tear-resistant eyelets, it helps reduce mortality rates and food loss while providing essential weatherproofing for game bird housing. 

If you’re uncertain which products best suit your setup, our team can provide tailored advice. Browse our complete netting range or give us a ring to discuss your specific requirements. 

Cleaning and Disinfection 

Here’s something many keepers overlook: most Avian Influenza virus enters farms through contaminated footwear, equipment and vehicles rather than direct bird-to-bird contact. That’s exactly why robust bird flu biosecurity protocols around cleaning and disinfection are non-negotiable. 

Your day-to-day biosecurity should include: 

• Minimising visitors to your premises and maintaining a signed visitor log with contact details

• Using correctly diluted DEFRA-approved disinfectant in foot dips positioned at all entry and exit points

• Ensuring foot dips are at least ankle-deep and changed regularly according to manufacturer instructions

• Cleaning boots thoroughly before stepping into disinfectant, as organic matter reduces effectiveness

• Disinfecting all tools, equipment and vehicles between different sheds, pens or enclosures

• Providing dedicated protective clothing and footwear for staff and visitors

• Keeping yards, pathways and areas around buildings clean and free from standing water

During clean-out periods, preparation is everything. Stock up on detergents and disinfectants well in advance and ensure your team understands the proper dilution rates and contact times required. 

Interkokask Disinfectant (10L) is a trusted product that’s DEFRA-approved for use in foot dips, wheel washes and equipment cleaning. It’s a powerful, fast-acting solution that works effectively even in challenging conditions, making it an essential addition to your biosecurity toolkit. 

Essential Biosecurity Checklist 

Before we wrap up, here’s a quick-reference checklist you can print out and share with your team. These actions form your first line of defence against bird flu: 

• Keep birds separate from wild birds using netting (25mm mesh recommended, up to 50mm acceptable in winter) or covered housing

• Maintain foot dips at all entry points and change disinfectant regularly

• Clean and disinfect all tools, equipment and vehicles between uses and between different bird areas

• Minimise visitors to your site and enforce strict biosecurity compliance for anyone who enters

• Store feed securely indoors and clear any spillages immediately to avoid attracting wild birds

• Install bird flu netting over any gaps, openings or outdoor runs

• Monitor your flock’s health daily and report any unusual signs (increased mortality, respiratory issues, sudden drop in egg production) to DEFRA immediately on 03000 200 301

Remember, biosecurity isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing commitment that protects both your birds and your livelihood throughout this high-risk period. 

Get the Right Protection for Your Flock Today 

Over 35 years of experience means we understand exactly what gamekeepers, estates and poultry keepers need during challenging times like these. 

Whether you’re looking for poultry netting to cover release pens, Shelterflex sheeting to weatherproof your structures, or biosecurity supplies to meet DEFRA requirements, we’ve got you covered. 

As the UK’s largest stockist of game rearing supplies, we hold comprehensive stock ready for fast delivery when you need it most. If you need advice or supplies to help keep your flock safe this winter, our team is here to help. Browse our bird flu netting and disinfectant products or contact our team for personalised advice on bird netting or disinfectants. 

Give us a ring on 01308 485422, drop us an email at info@collinsnets.co.uk, or fill in our contact form and we’ll get straight back to you. Vigilance and preparation today protect both your birds and your business tomorrow. 

Last updated: 12 November 2025