Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England
Source: gov.uk (2025-12-08)

Find out about the latest bird flu situation in England and guidance for bird keepers and the public.

Contents:
- Latest situation (#latest-situation)
- All bird flu cases and disease zones (#cases)
- Bird flu guidance (#guidance)
- Bird gatherings (#gatherings)
- Vaccines (#vaccines)
- Latest GOV.UK news stories (#news)
- Risk levels and outbreak assessments (#risk)
- Wild birds (#wild-birds)
- Mammals (#mammals)
- Bird flu webinars (#bird-webinars)
- Defra policies and contingency plans (#policies-plans)
- Bird flu legislation (#law)
Take action to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bird-flu-avian-influenza-how-to-prevent-it-and-stop-it-spreading). Be vigilant for signs of disease and report it (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu) to keep your birds safe.

Check what zone you’re in on the bird flu disease zone map (https://defra.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8cb1883eda5547c6b91b5d5e6aeba90d).

You must:
- follow the rules for that zone (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu-cases-and-disease-control-zones-in-england)
- check if you need a licence to move poultry, poultry by-products, eggs, material or mammals (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bird-flu-avian-influenza-movement-licences)
Latest situation

8 December 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in a large commercial poultry flock near Dereham, Breckland, Norfolk (AIV2025/124) (https://www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england/bird-flu-near-dereham-breckland-norfolk-aiv2025-slash-124). A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.

Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance in the zone near Ormesby St Margaret, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk (AIV 2025/76) (https://www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england/bird-flu-ormesby-st-margaret-great-yarmouth-norfolk-aiv2025-slash-76), the protection zone has ended and the area that formed it becomes part of the surveillance zone.

Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance in the zone near Danehill, Wealden, East Sussex (AIV 2025/83) (https://www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england/bird-flu-near-danehill-wealden-east-sussex-aiv2025-slash-83), the captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been revoked.

6 December 2025 - further update

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in a backyard flock of captive birds near Castle Hedingham, Braintree, Essex (AIV 2025/123) (https://www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england/bird-flu-near-castle-hedingham-braintree-essex-aiv-2025-slash-123). A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been declared around the premises.

6 December 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a large commercial poultry premises near Sudbrooke, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (AIV 2025/122) (https://www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england/bird-flu-near-sudbrooke-west-lindsey-lincolnshire-aiv-2025-slash-122).

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.

5 December 2025

HPAI H5N1 was confirmed at a third large commercial poultry premises near Gainsborough, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire (AIV 2025/121) (https://www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england/bird-flu-third-premises-near-gainsborough-west-lindsey-lincolnshire-aiv-2025-slash-121). A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.

Following successful completion of disease control activities in the zone near Honington, West Suffolk, Suffolk (AIV 2025/79) (https://www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england/bird-flu-near-honington-west-suffolk-suffolk-aiv-2025-slash-79) the protection zone has ended and the area that formed it becomes part of the surveillance zone.

AIPZ housing measures in England from 6 November 2025 and Wales from 13 November 2025

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) is in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ). By law you must follow strict biosecurity and hygiene rules to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bird-flu-avian-influenza-how-to-prevent-it-and-stop-it-spreading).

In the AIPZ in England and Wales there are mandatory housing measures which mean you may have to house your birds.

If you have more than 50 birds you must house them. This applies to all types of birds.

If you keep less than 50 birds and they are for your own use only (for example you do not sell or give away their eggs or meat), you do not have to house them.

If you keep less than 50 birds but you do sell or give away their eggs, poultry products or live birds, you must house them. These birds are known as ‘poultry’.

You can read more information on the requirements for certain types of bird in the declaration for the:
- AIPZ in England (https://www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england/bird-flu-regional-avian-influenza-prevention-zone-east-of-england?cachebust=xx-xxxx-xxxx)
- AIPZ in Wales (https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2025-11/all-wales-avian-influenza-prevention-zone-declaration-13-november-2025.pdf)
All bird flu cases and disease control zones

The first case of HPAI H5N1 of the 2025 to 2026 outbreak season was confirmed in:
- England on 11 October 2025
- Scotland on 12 November 2025
- Wales on 25 October 2025
- Northern Ireland on 9 October 2025
In line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules, the UK is no longer free from highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu).

Find details of all bird flu cases and disease zones in England (https://www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england).

2025 to 2026: summary of confirmed cases in the UK

Previous outbreak seasons: summary of confirmed cases in the UK

The season is recorded from 1 October to 30 September each year.

Find details of previous bird flu cases and disease zones in England (https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20240106010250mp_/https:/www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england).

Find details of previous bird flu cases in Scotland (https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-outbreaks/), cases in Wales (https://www.gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu) and cases in Northern Ireland (https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/ai).

Find details and assessments of past outbreaks in Great Britain in the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s outbreak epidemiology reports (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reports-relating-to-recent-cases-of-avian-influenza-bird-flu).

Bird flu guidance

Find out how to:
- spot and report bird flu in poultry and other captive birds (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu)
- report dead wild birds (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds)
- prevent bird flu and stop it spreading (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bird-flu-avian-influenza-how-to-prevent-it-and-stop-it-spreading)
- follow the rules in disease zones (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu-cases-and-disease-control-zones-in-england)
- check if you need a movement licence and how to apply (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bird-flu-avian-influenza-movement-licences)
- house your birds safely (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bird-flu-avian-influenza-housing-your-birds-safely)
- follow the rules if you keep racing pigeons, birds of prey and other captive birds (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bird-flu-rules-if-you-keep-racing-pigeons-birds-of-prey-and-other-captive-birds)
- hold a bird gathering (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bird-gatherings-licences)
Find out when game birds are kept or wild and the rules you need to follow if you keep, release or catch them up. (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bird-flu-rules-if-you-keep-game-birds)

You can read guidance about:
- how to keep other pets safe from bird flu, such as cats and dogs (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bird-flu-how-to-keep-pets-safe/bird-flu-how-to-keep-pets-safe)
- how bird flu spreads in wild birds and wild mammals, and how the government monitors it (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu-infection-in-wild-birds-and-wild-mammals/avian-influenza-bird-flu-infection-in-wild-birds-and-wild-mammals)
- avian influenza (bird flu) vaccination (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu-vaccination/avian-influenza-bird-flu-vaccination)
Bird gatherings

If you are not in a disease control zone (such as a protection zone or surveillance zone) in England you can:
- apply for a specific licence to hold a gathering of poultry
- follow the conditions in the general licence to hold a gathering of other captive birds
You cannot hold a bird gathering for most types of poultry if you’re in an area of the avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) where you must house your birds.

Read guidance on holding bird gatherings in England (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bird-gatherings-licences).

Vaccines

You cannot vaccinate poultry or most captive birds against bird flu in England.

You can only vaccinate zoo birds in England if you meet eligibility criteria and get authorisation from APHA. Only zoos or collections holding a current zoo licence can apply for vaccination (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu-vaccination).

Defra continues to invest in bird flu research and monitors the situation globally.

We work with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to monitor the development of vaccines for birds.

Find out more information on avian influenza (bird flu) vaccination (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu-vaccination/avian-influenza-bird-flu-vaccination) and the work of the avian influenza vaccination taskforce (https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/bird-flu-avian-influenza-vaccination-task-force).

Latest GOV.UK news stories
- National Housing Order declared to protect poultry from Avian Influenza (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/national-housing-order-declared-to-protect-poultry-from-avian-influenza)
- Housing measures introduced to protect poultry and other captive birds (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/housing-measures-introduced-to-protect-poultry-and-other-captive-birds)
- Avian Influenza Housing Measures Extended (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-housing-measures-extended)
- Poultry Meat Marketing Regulations to be amended to support industry through bird flu outbreaks (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/poultry-meat-marketing-regulations-to-be-amended-to-support-industry-through-bird-flu-outbreaks)
Risk levels and outbreak assessments

The risk of HPAI H5 in wild birds in Great Britain is assessed as very high (event occurs almost certainly).

The risk of poultry exposure to HPAI H5 in Great Britain is assessed as:
- very high (event occurs almost certainly) (with low uncertainty) where there is suboptimal or poor biosecurity
- medium (event occurs regularly) (with high uncertainty) where stringent biosecurity is consistently applied at all times
Find details of the evidence that supported these decisions in the:
- risk and outbreak assessments (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu-in-europe)
- outbreak epidemiology reports (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reports-relating-to-recent-cases-of-avian-influenza-bird-flu)
- weekly reports of findings of bird flu in wild birds in Great Britain (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-in-wild-birds)
- findings of bird flu in non-avian wildlife (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bird-flu-avian-influenza-findings-in-non-avian-wildlife)
- findings of bird flu in captive mammals (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bird-flu-avian-influenza-findings-in-captive-mammals)
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advise that bird flu is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

Wild birds

Find out how to report dead wild birds (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds).

Defra has set out practical information to support land managers, the public and ornithological and environmental organisations in their response to the growing threat of bird flu.

The mitigation strategy for avian influenza in wild birds in England and Wales (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-guidance-on-mitigating-the-impact-of-avian-influenza-in-wild-birds) explains how these groups, together with the government and its delivery partners, can reduce the impact on wild bird populations whilst protecting public health, the wider environment and the rural economy.

Landowners, local authorities and other organisations can download and print bird flu posters (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu-posters-for-land-managers) to display on site when there is a risk of bird flu or if bird flu has been detected in the area.

Check the:
- interactive map of reported wild bird mortality and findings of bird flu in wild birds in Great Britain (https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/062722fea8b24285b46fa6fc02b9fb51/page/Page/)
- interactive dashboard of findings of bird flu in wild birds in Great Britain (https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/313cd139a753429f8050673f929f344d)
- weekly reports of HPAI findings in wild birds in Great Britain (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-in-wild-birds)
You can find out more about:
- the collection thresholds for dead wild birds with suspected bird flu (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/surveillance-collection-thresholds-for-dead-wild-birds)
- how bird flu spreads in wild birds and wild mammals, and how the government monitors it (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu-infection-in-wild-birds-and-wild-mammals/avian-influenza-bird-flu-infection-in-wild-birds-and-wild-mammals)
Feeding wild birds

You can feed wild birds but always wash your hands with soap and water afterwards. Avoid areas that have premises where poultry or captive birds are kept. Wild birds can spread bird flu to captive birds.

If you’re in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) you cannot feed wild gamebirds within 500m of a premises with more than 500 poultry or captive birds. Check if you’re in a zone on the bird flu zone map (https://defra.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8cb1883eda5547c6b91b5d5e6aeba90d) and find out more in the guidance on rules if you keep game birds (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bird-flu-rules-if-you-keep-game-birds).

If you feed wild birds in your garden, read advice from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) to keep feeders and water baths clean (https://www.bto.org/how-you-can-help/providing-birds/feeding-garden-birds). This will help to stop bird flu and other diseases spreading between different birds.

The UK Health Security Agency has said that the risk to the public from this bird flu strain is very low. It mainly affects birds.

Do not touch or move any dead or sick wild birds – find out how to report them (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds).

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water if you touch wild bird faeces or feathers. For more advice go to the NHS website (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bird-flu/).

Mammals

Avian influenza (bird flu) viruses can also infect wild and kept mammals. This is known as influenza of avian origin.

Find out how we monitor the risk of influenza of avian origin in wild mammals (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu-infection-in-wild-birds-and-wild-mammals).

Check the:
- report of findings of influenza of avian origin in non-avian wildlife (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bird-flu-avian-influenza-findings-in-non-avian-wildlife)
- interactive map showing findings of influenza of avian origin in wild mammals in Great Britain (https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/062722fea8b24285b46fa6fc02b9fb51/page/Page/)
- findings of influenza of avian origin in captive mammals (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bird-flu-avian-influenza-findings-in-captive-mammals)
Influenza of avian origin in mammals (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/listed-diseases-in-animals-case-definitions-testing-and-reporting/influenza-a-h5n1-infection-in-mammals-suspect-case-definition-and-diagnostic-testing-criteria) is notifiable in both wild and kept mammals.

You must report it immediately if you examine or inspect any wild or kept mammal, or analyse samples from any wild or kept mammal or mammal carcase and:
- suspect the presence of influenza of avian origin
- detect evidence of influenza A virus or antibodies to influenza A virus
Report it immediately by calling:
- xx-xxxx-xxxx if you’re in England
- xx-xxxx-xxxx if you’re in Wales
- your local Field Services Office (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/contact-apha#scotland-apha-field-services) if you’re in Scotland
If you do not report it, you’re breaking the law.

Bird flu webinars

Whether you have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock, the avian influenza ‘stop the spread’ webinars (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu-stop-the-spread-webinars) explain what you can do to protect your birds.

Defra policies and contingency plans

Defra controls cases of bird flu by following the:
- contingency plan for exotic notifiable diseases (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/contingency-plan-for-exotic-notifiable-diseases-of-animals-in-england)
- notifiable avian disease control strategy (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notifiable-avian-disease-control-strategy-2015)
- mitigation strategy for avian influenza in wild birds in England and Wales (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-guidance-on-mitigating-the-impact-of-avian-influenza-in-wild-birds)
Bird flu legislation

The legislation in England includes:
- The Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No.2) Order 2006 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2006/2702/contents/made)
- The Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (Amendment) (England) Order 2022 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2022/1224/made)
- The Exotic Disease (Amendment) (England) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/1406/made)
- The Exotic Animal Disease (Amendment) (England) Order 2021 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/1472/made)
- The Exotic Animal Disease (Amendment) (England) Order 2022 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2022/1108/article/4/made)
- The Exotic Disease (Amendment) (England) Order 2023 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2023/1415/made)
- The Exotic Disease (Amendment) (England) Order 2024 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2024/558/contents/made)
- The Avian Influenza (H5N1 in Wild Birds) (England) Order 2006 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2006/3249/contents/made)
- The Avian Influenza (H5N1 in Wild Birds) (England) (Amendment) Order 2021 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/1305/introduction/made)
- The Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (England) Regulations 2006 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2006/2701/contents/made)
- The Transport of Animals (Cleansing and Disinfection) (England) (No. 3) Order 2003 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2003/1724)
- The Diseases of Animals (Approved Disinfectants) (England) Order 2007 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/448)
- The Avian Influenza (Vaccination) (England) Regulations 2006 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2006/2703/made)
For Scotland go to the Scottish Government website. (https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu/pages/legislation/)

For Wales go to the Welsh Government website. (https://www.gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu)

For Northern Ireland go to the DAERA-NI website. (https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/topics/avian-influenza-ai)

Image on this page shows a group of ducks flying. Credit: Jari Hytönen.