Stay informed about the latest developments on bird flu (avian influenza) in England, including guidance for bird keepers, the public, and measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
Published by: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
First Published: 4 November 2022
Last Updated: 18 October 2025
Current Situation
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is actively monitored across England. Below are the most recent confirmed cases and updates on disease control measures.
Recent Confirmed Cases
18 October 2025 – Penrith, Cumbria (AIV 2025/65)
HPAI H5N1 was confirmed in a commercial poultry flock with over 10,000 birds near Penrith, Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria. A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been established. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.
13 October 2025 – Wybunbury, Cheshire (AIV 2025/64)
HPAI H5N1 was confirmed in a commercial poultry flock with over 10,000 birds near Wybunbury, Cheshire East, Cheshire. A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone are in place. All poultry will be humanely culled.
11 October 2025 – Stockbridge, Hampshire (AIV 2025/63)
HPAI H5N1 was confirmed in captive birds near Stockbridge, Test Valley, Hampshire. A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been declared, and all poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.
2 October 2025 – Exminster, Devon (AIV 2025/61)
The surveillance zone near Exminster, Teignbridge, Devon, was revoked following successful disease control activities.
Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ)
England remains under an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures in place until further notice. These measures apply to all bird keepers, whether you manage pet birds, commercial flocks, or a small backyard flock. Additional restrictions apply in disease control zones surrounding infected premises. Check the bird flu disease zone map to confirm if you are in a controlled zone.
Bird Flu Cases and Disease Control Zones
The 2025–2026 outbreak season began with the first confirmed HPAI H5N1 case in England on 11 October 2025. The UK is no longer free from highly pathogenic avian influenza, as per World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines.
2025–2026 Season Summary
- England: 3 confirmed HPAI H5N1 cases
- Scotland: 0 cases
- Wales: 0 cases
- Northern Ireland: 1 case
- Total UK Cases: 4
Find detailed information on all bird flu cases and disease zones in England.
Previous Outbreak Seasons
| Outbreak Season | HPAI Cases | LPAI Cases |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–2025 | 81 | 1 |
| 2023–2024 | 6 | 0 |
| 2022–2023 | 207 | 1 |
| 2021–2022 | 158 | 0 |
Explore historical data for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Guidance for Bird Keepers and the Public
To protect your birds and prevent the spread of avian influenza, follow these guidelines:
- Monitor for Signs of Disease: Be vigilant for symptoms of bird flu in poultry or captive birds and report suspected cases immediately.
- Adhere to Biosecurity Measures: Implement stringent biosecurity protocols, especially in AIPZ and disease control zones.
- Check Movement Licences: Verify if you need a licence to move poultry, eggs, by-products, or mammals. Apply through GOV.UK.
- Safe Housing: House birds securely to minimize contact with wild birds.
- Bird Gatherings: If not in a disease control zone, apply for a specific licence for poultry gatherings or follow the general licence for other captive birds.
Additional guidance is available for game birds, pets, and wild birds.
Vaccination Policies
Vaccination against bird flu is prohibited for poultry and most captive birds in England, except for zoo birds meeting specific eligibility criteria. Only licensed zoos or collections can apply for vaccination authorization through APHA. Defra continues to research avian influenza and collaborates with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to monitor vaccine development. Learn more about the avian influenza vaccination taskforce.
Risk Assessments and Public Health
The risk of HPAI H5 in wild birds in Great Britain is assessed as high. Poultry exposure risk is:
- Medium: Where biosecurity is suboptimal or poor (medium uncertainty).
- Low: Where stringent biosecurity is consistently applied (low uncertainty).
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) states that bird flu poses a very low risk to public health. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirms that properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat. Access detailed risk and outbreak assessments for more information.
Wild Birds and Mammals
Wild Birds
Do not touch or move dead or sick wild birds. Report them via the Defra helpline. Feeding wild birds is permitted, but wash hands thoroughly afterward and avoid feeding near premises with poultry or captive birds. In AIPZ zones, restrictions apply to feeding wild gamebirds within 500m of premises with over 500 birds. Check the bird flu zone map and follow BTO guidance for maintaining clean feeders.
Mammals
Avian influenza can infect mammals (influenza of avian origin). It is notifiable in both wild and kept mammals. Report suspected cases immediately:
- England: 03000 200 301
- Wales: 03003 038 268
- Scotland: Contact your local Field Services Office
View the report of influenza findings in non-avian wildlife and the interactive map of wild bird and mammal findings.
Bird Flu Webinars and Policies
Defra’s “Stop the Spread” webinars provide actionable advice for bird keepers to protect their flocks. Access the webinar series for more details. Defra’s policies are outlined in the notifiable avian disease control strategy and the mitigation strategy for wild birds.
Legislation
Key legislation governing avian influenza in England includes:
- The Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No.2) Order 2006
- The Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (England) Regulations 2006
- The Avian Influenza (Vaccination) (England) Regulations 2006
- Additional amendments from 2018 to 2024
For legislation in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, visit the respective government websites.
Take Action
Protect your birds by staying vigilant, adhering to biosecurity measures, and reporting suspected cases promptly. Check the bird flu disease zone map to understand restrictions in your area.
Tags: bird flu, avian influenza, HPAI H5N1, biosecurity, poultry, disease control, wild birds, public health, Defra, APHA
Meta Description: Stay updated on the latest bird flu (avian influenza) situation in England, including confirmed cases, biosecurity measures, disease control zones, and guidance for bird keepers to prevent the spread of HPAI H5N1.