Poultry producers across England have been ordered to keep their birds indoors from today as a growing number of bird flu outbreaks puts the industry on heightened alert ahead of Christmas.

The nationwide housing order, introduced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, follows a rise in cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) among commercial flocks and wild birds.

The restrictions apply to anyone keeping 50 or more birds, as well as smaller flocks where eggs, poultry products or live birds are sold or given away.

All bird keepers must also follow stricter biosecurity rules, including disinfecting equipment and footwear, restricting access to poultry housing and preventing contact with wild birds.

The measures follow a string of outbreaks across England, including recent cases at commercial poultry farms in Norfolk and Lincolnshire.

The latest outbreak was confirmed near Dereham, Norfolk, on Thursday, with all poultry on the affected premises set to be culled.

England has now recorded eight confirmed H5N1 outbreaks during the 2026/27 bird flu season.

The tightening of restrictions comes at a particularly sensitive time for the poultry industry, with producers preparing for one of the busiest trading periods of the year.

However, Defra has sought to reassure supermarkets and shoppers that Christmas turkey supplies are not expected to be disrupted.

The UK produces around eight million turkeys annually, and officials said they do not currently anticipate any overall impact on the availability of Christmas turkeys or other seasonal poultry.

Egg producers will also face new restrictions on free-range flocks, although changes introduced to labelling laws last year mean eggs can continue to be sold as free-range throughout mandatory housing periods.

Previously, eggs from free-range hens had to be reclassified as barn eggs if birds were kept indoors for more than 16 weeks, creating additional packaging and operational costs for producers.

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss urged poultry farmers to remain vigilant as the industry faces another winter of heightened disease risk.

“Having avian influenza confirmed in your flock can be devastating,” she said, acknowledging the impact outbreaks can have on producers.

She called on bird keepers to comply with the new restrictions and immediately report any suspected infections to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

The Food Standards Agency has meanwhile reiterated that properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat, with the risk to human health considered very low.

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning