Apply for an exemption from avian influenza disease control restrictions

You can apply for a specific licence that exempts you from avian influenza disease control restrictions in England, Scotland and Wales. This covers any movement or activity within the current disease control zones that is not covered by a general licence.

You can also use this service to:

• check the status of your application
• add further information in support of your application
• download issued licences

You’ll need to register if you have not used the service before.

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Before you start

The person responsible for the movement or activity must apply for the licence. This might not be the person who will use the licence. For example, the driver of a stock vehicle may use the licence but the applicant will be responsible for satisfying the licence conditions.

In the case of hatching eggs, slaughter poultry, feed or fuel, the hatchery, slaughterhouse, feed or fuel company must apply.

You must apply for your licence at least 5 days before you need it. Any movement or activity should not take place until you receive your licence.

Contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) if there are exceptional circumstances and you need the licence sooner than 5 days.

You may not need to apply for a licence if your movement or activity is covered by a general licence.

You must register your birds before applying for a licence.

We reserve the right to review and revoke a licence if areas or premises restrictions apply.

Get help

Contact the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301, if you need technical help with the service or to report a problem.