The British government has declared a nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) effective November 6, 2025. This means a mandatory housing order for anyone keeping more than 50 birds – including pigeon fanciers. The measure covers all of England and aims to prevent wild birds from spreading the virus further.
What does this mean?
Anyone keeping more than 50 pigeons or other birds must keep them confined. Free flight or open loft training is banned unless under strictly controlled conditions.
For any gathering — such as basketing or racing — a general license must first be obtained from the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA). So yes, the sport can continue, but only under full compliance with hygiene and transport regulations.
The harsh truth
In our earlier exposé “Racing Pigeons and Bird Flu – The Story Nobody Dared to Tell Until Now”, we showed that there is no scientific evidence proving racing pigeons play a role in the spread of avian influenza.
Yet here we are again — pigeon fanciers punished by rules designed for commercial poultry farms. It’s madness… but it’s the reality. And it shows how vulnerable our sport still is, despite all its structure, traceability, and strict biosecurity.
What this means for the rest of Europe
England often sets the tone — and what happens there may well reach Belgium and the Netherlands next. That’s why we must act now:
Limit wild bird contact around your loft.
Review disinfection routines and keep all transport equipment spotless.
Prepare clubs and fanciers for possible reporting or licensing obligations.
Communicate openly: show that our sport is responsible, organized, and safe.
The Pigeon Boss Message
We’ve learned that even hard scientific facts can’t always stop the wave of panic. But we can show that the racing pigeon world acts with professionalism and discipline.
England reminds us of one thing: be ready, stay responsible, and never stay silent.
Read the full background story here: 👉 Racing Pigeons and Bird Flu – The Story Nobody Dared to Tell Until Now
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Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss