England has confirmed three H5N1 detections in October. Commercial flocks near Penrith, Cumbria (18 October 2025) and Wybunbury, Cheshire (13 October) tested positive, alongside captive birds near Stockbridge, Hampshire (11 October). Protection and surveillance zones of 3km and 10km are active around affected sites and birds on the premises will be humanely culled. Across the UK’s 2025/26 season to date there are four confirmed cases: three in England and one in Northern Ireland, meaning the UK is no longer officially free from HPAI under WOAH rules.

Mandatory biosecurity measures remain in place under England’s Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ). These rules apply to everyone who keeps birds-from pet owners to commercial producers-and are reviewed regularly. Additional, tighter controls operate inside local disease control zones around infected premises.

Risk is elevated for wildlife this autumn. The Animal and Plant Health Agency assesses the risk of H5 in wild birds as high, with poultry exposure assessed as medium where biosecurity is suboptimal and low where biosecurity is consistently strong. The UK Health Security Agency continues to advise that the risk to the general public is very low, while the Food Standards Agency says properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat.

For wild birds, Defra’s mitigation strategy sets out practical steps for land managers and councils: prepare signage, put response plans in place, and remove carcasses only in defined circumstances. APHA’s year‑round surveillance-supported by weekly reporting and interactive mapping-helps target action where it matters most. Members of the public should not touch sick or dead birds and should report findings through official channels.

If you feed garden birds, hygiene makes a real difference. The British Trust for Ornithology advises cleaning feeders with soapy water, rotating feeding spots, refreshing water daily and clearing waste beneath feeders to cut disease transmission. In an AIPZ, avoid feeding wild gamebirds within 500m of premises with more than 500 captive birds, and wash hands after bird contact.

Backyard keepers and commercial units alike should double‑down on simple, high‑impact routines: keep wild birds away from feed and water; store feed securely; disinfect boots, crates and vehicle wheels; use dedicated clothing; and review visitor and vehicle movements. Check the official disease zone map before moving birds or products and apply for movement licences where required.

Shows and sales can continue only under strict conditions. Outside disease control zones you may apply for a specific licence to gather poultry, while gatherings of other captive birds must follow the general licence. Organisers should confirm zone status on the day and keep records to support tracing if needed.

Vaccination of poultry is not permitted in England, with exceptions for zoo birds where APHA authorises use. Government and industry are exploring options through the Avian Influenza Vaccination Taskforce, which is assessing efficacy, surveillance needs and potential trade barriers linked to preventive vaccination. For now, stamping‑out and biosecurity remain the frontline.

This is a One Health issue that spans wildlife, livestock and people. Avian‑origin influenza can infect mammals, and findings in captive and wild mammals are published by APHA. It is a notifiable disease in both wild and kept mammals, and veterinary professionals must report suspected or detected influenza A virus or antibodies immediately using the national reporting numbers. A confirmed sheep case in March 2025 highlights why continued surveillance matters, though widespread mammal‑to‑mammal transmission has not been evidenced.

Recent history shows why preparedness counts. The UK recorded 81 confirmed HPAI cases in 2024/25, six in 2023/24, 207 in 2022/23 and 158 in 2021/22. The current season is just beginning, and early action from keepers and councils can soften the curve of new detections.

Local authorities and site managers can download official posters for paths, hides and car parks, brief rangers and contractors on safe handling, and prepare disposal routes where removal is required. Clear signage and consistent messaging reassure visitors while protecting sensitive bird populations and the rural economy.

For day‑to‑day decisions, use the government’s interactive disease zone map and APHA’s weekly wild bird findings to understand local risk. Keepers who strengthen perimeter hygiene now-before migration peaks-protect both their flocks and nearby wildlife. Eco Current will continue to track the data as the season develops.