Isle of Wight residents who keep chickens, ducks and other poultry are being urged to take precautions as bird flu returns to the UK ahead of winter.
The RSPCA has issued advice to backyard poultry owners following a confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Scotland, with concerns that the return of migratory wild birds could increase the risk of the disease spreading.
As ducks, geese and other wild waterfowl arrive in the UK for the winter months, poultry keepers are being encouraged to review their biosecurity arrangements to protect their birds.
The warning follows confirmation of an H5N5 bird flu outbreak on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland earlier this month, marking the first confirmed outbreak of the 2026/27 season.
The RSPCA says even those keeping just a handful of chickens in their gardens should take steps to minimise the risk of infection.
Among the recommended precautions are regularly cleaning and disinfecting poultry housing, cleaning footwear before and after visiting birds, and ensuring food and water are kept in areas inaccessible to wild birds.
Keepers are also advised to fence off outdoor areas, restrict access to ponds and other locations visited by wild waterfowl, and avoid keeping ducks and geese alongside other poultry species where possible.
Charlotte Arthur, poultry expert at the RSPCA, has said:
“We are sadly once again entering the time of year when bird flu becomes more prevalent. Governments are issuing important biosecurity advice for poultry pet owners to try and control the spread of the disease after a confirmed case was found in Scotland recently.
“Whilst no housing order or other measures have been put in place currently, it’s important for pet owners to be mindful that over the coming months this is likely to become a reality.”
The charity says keeping hens has become increasingly popular in recent years, making it important for both new and experienced owners to remain vigilant for signs of illness.
Charlotte added:
“Keeping hens has become increasingly popular in recent years so it’s important that new and experienced owners alike follow official biosecurity advice, staying vigilant for signs of disease and ill health in their flocks, and seeking veterinary advice if they have any concerns for their birds.”
All poultry keepers in England, including those with small backyard flocks, are required to register their birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Suspected cases of bird flu must also be reported.
Although no nationwide housing order is currently in force, the RSPCA is reminding owners to consider how they would keep their birds occupied if restrictions were introduced during the winter.
The charity recommends providing enrichment activities to encourage natural behaviour and prevent boredom, particularly when chickens are confined to covered runs or indoor accommodation.
Suggestions include placing straw bales with hidden food to encourage foraging, hanging vegetables or other suitable objects for birds to peck at, and providing raised perches.
Dust baths can also be created using shallow trays or old tyres filled with sand or suitable dry material, allowing hens to continue an important part of their natural behaviour.
The RSPCA also suggests adding woodchip to muddy outdoor runs during winter to provide dry areas and creating covered verandas where birds can enjoy natural light and fresh air while remaining protected from wild bird droppings.
Charlotte said:
“It’s really important to make sure pet birds have lots of enrichment to keep them happy.
“Having nothing to do can lead to boredom, stress and contribute to problems such as feather pecking but fortunately, there’s loads of great things keepers can do to keep their animals ‘hentertained’.”
Poultry owners are reminded not to feed kitchen scraps to their birds and to regularly check the latest Government guidance as restrictions can change rapidly in response to new outbreaks.
Further information about bird flu, registration requirements and current restrictions is available at GOV.UK.
