Written question asked by Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Conservative) on Monday, 1 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Poultry: Avian Influenza

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government, in light of the Natural England report The risks from H5N1 to wild birds from captive-reared mallard, published on 24 June 2024, what assessment they have made of the need to regulate captive-reared mallard releases to reduce high pathogenicity avian influenza risk to (1) wild birds, and (2) poultry.

Answer: This Government is considering the available evidence on the impacts of gamebird and mallard release and shooting in England, including Natural England’s report The risks from H5N1 to wild birds from captive-reared mallard, published on 24 June 2024. This Government will also engage with the sector and other stakeholder groups as this work progresses. This work is helping to inform consideration of whether further measures, including licensing, may be needed in relation to the release of captive-reared birds.

Secondary information