Housing measures introduced in North East and East to protect poultry and captive birds

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There have been further findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry and other captive birds in Norfolk, the East Riding of Yorkshire and a further increase in the assessed risk of HPAI in wild birds and poultry. A regional avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity and housing measures has been declared in the East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull and all districts in Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

As a result, from noon on Monday 23 December 2024 all bird keepers in the AIPZ must keep their birds housed to protect them from bird flu. This applies to all kept birds in the area including pet birds, commercial flocks and just a few birds in a backyard flock.These housing and biosecurity measures are to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of disease occurring.

Housing measures also apply in any 3km Protection Zone in force surrounding an infected premises where HPAI has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds.Keepers can check if they are in an avian influenza disease control or prevention zone using the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) interactive map.

Risk Levels

• The risk of HPAI H5 in wild birds in Great Britain has increased from high (event occurs very often) to very high (event occurs almost certainly).

• The risk of poultry exposure to HPAI H5 in Great Britain has increased from medium to high where there is suboptimal or poor biosecurity, and has increased from low to medium where good biosecurity is consistently applied at all times

New Case in England

• Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in captive birds at a second premises near Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, Yorkshire (AIV 2024/13) on the 19 December 2024. A 3km captive bird controlled zone has been declared surrounding the premises (effective from 19:15 on the 19 December 2024). The affected birds on the premises will be humanely culled.

All bird keepers are urged to remain vigilant and take action to protect their birds following the recent cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Details of the current national risk levels for avian influenza can be found at gov.uk/birdflu with further information on the evidence which supports these levels available in APHA’s risk and outbreak assessments. Practicing good biosecurity at all times protects the health and welfare of birds and for commercial keepers will help protect their business from HPAI and other diseases. For further information on the latest situation and guidance see gov.uk/birdflu.