England’s bird flu picture steadied again this week. On 26 February 2026, Defra ended the 3km protection zone near Needham Market, Suffolk, absorbing it into the wider surveillance area. Earlier in the week, 10km surveillance zones were revoked near Dereham (Norfolk) and Newark‑on‑Trent (Nottinghamshire), alongside rollbacks around York and Newington in Kent after culling and clean surveillance checks. (gov.uk)

Since October 2025, the UK has logged 94 confirmed HPAI H5N1 incidents in poultry and other captive birds: 74 in England, nine in Scotland, seven in Wales and four in Northern Ireland. The first detections of the season landed between 9 and 12 October 2025 across the four nations. (gov.uk)

Mandatory housing continues under the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone. In England, keepers with 50 or more birds must house them; those with fewer than 50 may keep birds outside only if produce is for personal use. Anyone selling eggs, birds or poultry products must house birds regardless of flock size. Check your zone before making changes on site. (gov.uk)

Risk remains concentrated in wildlife, not people. APHA continues to rate the risk of H5 in wild birds as very high, with exposure for poultry assessed as high where biosecurity is weak and medium where it is strong. UKHSA still judges the risk to the general public as very low. (gov.uk)

For land managers and local authorities, Defra’s refreshed mitigation strategy sets out low‑disturbance management, targeted clean‑up and better data sharing to cut ecological impacts while protecting public health and the rural economy. From 1 January 2026, Natural England added conditions to general licences GL40‑42 on SSSIs to reduce disturbance risk. (gov.uk)

Day‑to‑day planning is now data‑led. APHA’s interactive map tracks reported wild‑bird mortality and confirmed findings, while the dashboard lets you filter by species, location and time. Pair these tools with APHA’s weekly wild‑bird findings to time signage, path diversions and volunteer surveys where pressure is greatest. (experience.arcgis.com)

Households and nature groups can keep feeding garden birds-just keep hygiene tight. The British Trust for Ornithology advises weekly cleaning of feeders with soapy water, daily fresh water and rotating feeding spots to limit disease build‑up; never handle sick or dead birds and wash hands after refilling. (bto.org)

Surveillance now extends to mammals. Influenza of avian origin is notifiable in both wild and kept mammals; vets and laboratories must report suspected presence or any detection of influenza A virus or antibodies immediately. APHA publishes confirmed findings in non‑avian wildlife and supports submissions through its Diseases of Wildlife work. (gov.uk)

If you’re planning a show, market or race, gatherings are permitted outside disease‑control zones under strict rules. Psittaciformes, birds of prey and racing pigeons can proceed under a general licence with APHA notification, while gatherings that include poultry or other specified orders require a specific licence. (gov.uk)

Vaccination stays tightly limited. Poultry and most captive birds in England cannot be vaccinated; only licensed zoos may apply for authorisation. Government and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate continue to monitor candidate vaccines via a cross‑government taskforce, but stamping‑out, housing and biosecurity remain the primary controls. (gov.uk)

What to do this week: check the disease‑zone map before moving birds; refresh boot‑dips and vehicle disinfection; keep movement logs; and report dead wild birds via the government service. The biosecurity checklist remains the most cost‑effective insurance through late winter and early spring. (gov.uk)