England has entered a more open phase of its bird flu response. On 9 April 2026 the government lifted the requirement to keep poultry and other captive birds housed. Two days later, Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed H5N1 in commercial poultry near Market Rasen, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire, with a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone in place and culling at the site. Officials currently judge risk to wild birds as medium and exposure risk to poultry as low where good biosecurity is applied. (gov.uk)

For keepers and conservation teams, the change removes winter restrictions but not the need for careful range management. Defra advises preparing outdoor areas before reintroducing birds-cleansing hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water, removing grazing livestock and bringing back wild‑bird deterrents-while the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone’s biosecurity rules stay in force. (gov.uk)

To understand what this means for wildlife, watch the data. APHA’s wild bird surveillance added week 14 on 9 April 2026 and is paired with an interactive mortality map and a live dashboard that visualise detections across Great Britain. These tools help wardens and councils time beach cleans, adjust patrols and plan signage around high‑use paths and hides. (gov.uk)

This season’s numbers explain the measured tone. By 11 April 2026, the UK has confirmed 97 HPAI H5N1 cases in the 2025–26 outbreak year: 76 in England, 9 in Scotland, 7 in Wales and 5 in Northern Ireland, plus one LPAI case. That sits between last season’s 82 and the 207 recorded in 2022–23, after a lull of just 6 in 2023–24. Under World Organisation for Animal Health rules, the UK remains not free from HPAI. (gov.uk)

For wild birds, the policy direction is to reduce ecological impact without unnecessary closures. Defra’s mitigation strategy sets out how land managers, conservation groups and public bodies can coordinate carcass collection, targeted communications and habitat management using the latest risk assessments, protecting public health and the rural economy alongside colonies and migrants. (gov.uk)

On the ground, data‑led site management is now standard practice. Landowners and local authorities can display official posters during localised outbreaks, keep checking disease‑control zones where temporary restrictions still apply, and-if hosting bird gatherings-ensure licences match the species involved well before events are advertised. (gov.uk)

Back‑garden feeding needs the same discipline. The British Trust for Ornithology recommends regular cleaning of feeders and baths, rotating feeding spots and keeping dedicated brushes outdoors. Government advice adds a simple rule: avoid feeding near premises that keep poultry or other captive birds, and in any AIPZ do not feed wild gamebirds within 500 metres of premises with more than 500 birds. (bto.org)

Avian‑origin influenza can also infect mammals. APHA publishes findings for wild and captive mammals and provides an interactive map. Crucially, the disease is notifiable in mammals: vets and laboratories must report suspected cases or detections immediately via APHA in England and Wales or field services in Scotland, supporting faster decisions on access and waste handling near sensitive habitats. (gov.uk)

Public health guidance remains steady and reassuring. UKHSA continues to assess the risk to the general public as very low, and the Food Standards Agency says properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat. The public should avoid touching sick or dead birds, wash hands after contact with droppings or feathers, and report carcases through the official portal. (gov.uk)

Before heading out, check your status and the latest evidence. Use the official disease‑zone map to confirm any local restrictions, scan the wild bird dashboard for recent detections, and brief volunteers on APHA’s weekly update. With risk to wild birds still at medium, simple, timely steps-clean kit, clear signage and swift reporting-can protect colonies while keeping access open through spring migration. (gov.uk)