A case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) has been confirmed near Market Rasen. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been declared around the infected premises.
The restrictions apply to all keepers of poultry and other captive birds, whether they are commercial producers, smallholders or people keeping a small number of birds as pets.
What bird keepers need to know
Bird keepers within the affected zones must comply with additional disease control measures designed to prevent the spread of avian influenza. Anyone who keeps poultry or captive birds should check whether their premises fall within the Protection Zone or Surveillance Zone and ensure they are complying with the relevant requirements.
Bird keepers outside the Protection and Surveillance Zones
A mandatory poultry housing order comes into force across England on 13 November 2026.
Bird keepers must house all poultry and captive birds if they:
• keep 50 or more birds; or
• sell or give away eggs, poultry products or live birds.
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is also in force across England, requiring all bird keepers, regardless of flock size, to implement enhanced biosecurity measures.
Further information on the restrictions can be found at:
- Bird flu disease control zones:
Bird flu: rules in disease control zones in England - Interactive disease control zone map:
Check if you are in an Avian Influenza zone
Reporting suspected disease
Avian influenza is a notifiable disease . Anyone who suspects avian influenza in kept birds must report it immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 03000 200 301.
Please help us share this information
We would be grateful if you could circulate this information within your community and display the attached poster on any parish noticeboards, website or social media channels. This will help ensure local bird keepers are aware of the restrictions and know where to obtain further guidance.
Stay informed
Bird keepers and interested residents can sign up for free APHA disease alerts at:
Sign up for APHA animal disease alerts
Thank you for your assistance in helping to protect animal health and prevent the spread of disease.
Kind regards
Lincolnshire County Council Trading Standards
