Bird Flu Situation in England: Latest Updates, Zones and Guidance

United Kingdom

Important Facts of the News

• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 confirmed in multiple commercial premises in England and Wales between 31 October and 1 November 2025.
• New cases confirmed near Honington (West Suffolk) and Donington (South Holland) on 1 November 2025.
• Three cases confirmed near Ormesby St Margaret, Uckfield, and Swineshead on 31 October 2025.
• Wales reported an additional case near Milford Haven on 31 October 2025.
• 3km protection and 10km surveillance zones established around all affected premises, with humane culling of birds.
• Mandatory housing of birds applies in designated high-risk counties across England for flocks over 50 birds or for any poultry kept for sale.
• England has recorded 15 confirmed HPAI H5N1 cases so far in the 2025 to 2026 outbreak season.
• Wales has recorded 3 cases, Northern Ireland 1, and Scotland has reported no cases this season.
• The risk to the public remains very low, according to UK Health Security Agency.
• Properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe for consumption, according to the Food Standards Agency.

Latest Situation

The bird flu situation in England continues to require close attention as new cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 have been confirmed at several commercial poultry farms. On 1 November 2025, cases were identified at two large poultry units located near Honington in West Suffolk and Donington in South Holland. These cases follow multiple confirmations on 31 October at sites in Norfolk, East Sussex, and Lincolnshire. A separate detection was reported in Pembrokeshire, Wales, on the same date.

Following each confirmed case, authorities have put in place a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone. All poultry at the affected premises will be humanely culled to prevent further spread.

Housing Requirements in High-Risk Areas

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) remains active across England. Additional housing measures are now required in specific high-risk counties. These rules apply to keepers with more than 50 birds of any species or those keeping poultry for sale, distribution, or supply of eggs or birds. Keepers with fewer than 50 birds for personal use are not required to house them, but must still follow mandatory biosecurity practices.

The counties under mandatory housing measures include major poultry regions such as Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Lancashire, Cheshire, North Yorkshire, and several others. Bird keepers are advised to check the disease zone map to confirm the measures that apply to their location.

Current Outbreak Numbers

So far in the 2025 to 2026 outbreak season, England has confirmed 15 cases, Wales has confirmed 3, Northern Ireland has recorded 1 and Scotland has not reported any. Previous seasons show fluctuating case numbers, including 81 cases in 2024 to 2025 and 207 cases in 2022 to 2023.

Guidance for Bird Keepers and the Public

Bird keepers are advised to maintain strict hygiene, prevent contact between captive birds and wild birds, and report signs of illness immediately. The public is advised not to touch dead or sick wild birds. While bird flu primarily affects birds, the overall risk to human health remains very low. Properly cooked poultry and eggs are considered safe to eat.

Further guidance is available on reporting, movement licenses, bird gatherings, vaccination rules, wild bird monitoring, and disease control strategies.