Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England

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Cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) are increasing in both kept poultry and wild birds across multiple areas of Great Britain. To prevent further spread of disease, Defra and the Apha have extended the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone which is already in place across East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk.

The measures imposed in the AIPZ, which includes mandatory enhanced biosecurity and housing for kept birds, now includes Shropshire, York and North Yorkshire.

The rest of England is now under an additional AIPZ mandating enhanced biosecurity but will not enforce mandatory housing. A similar zone is in force in Scotland, and will apply in Wales from 30 January. 

To find out which measures apply to you and your kept birds, check the interactive map and read the AIPZ declaration schedule relevant to your area.

These measures will be in place until further notice. They will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza.

The first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5 of the current outbreak was confirmed in England on the 5 November 2024.

The first case of HPAI H5N1 of the current outbreak was confirmed in:

·       England on 17 November 2024

·       Scotland on 10 January 2025

Whilst there have been no cases of HPAI confirmed in Wales during this outbreak, in line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules Great Britain is no longer free from highly pathogenic avian influenza.

No cases of HPAI have been confirmed in Northern Ireland this season and Northern Ireland continues to have WOAH self-declared zonal freedom from highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Find details of all bird flu cases and disease zones in England.

For more information check the relevant government pages at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england