Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza H5N1 was confirmed in a backyard flock of chickens near Hawes, Richmondshire, North Yorkshire on 18 December 2020. Following further testing the 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zone and 10km Temporary Movement Restriction Zones have been revoked and replaced by a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone.
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across the whole of England effective from 5pm on 11 November 2020 with additional housing measures in force from 14 December 2020. The AIPZ means all bird keepers in England (whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) are required by law to take a range of biosecurity precautions including from the 14 December 2020 keeping their birds indoors except in very specific circumstances.