England has eased several local bird flu controls after targeted surveillance cleared outbreaks. On 18 February 2026, protection zones around two premises near Mundford, Norfolk, were lifted, and on 17 February restrictions near Newark‑on‑Trent, Nottinghamshire, were also revoked. (gov.uk)

Earlier in the week, controls were removed around sites near Gainsborough and Chedburgh, and around York, following completion of disease control and checks. Separately, H5N1 was confirmed on 14 February in other captive birds near Ancroft, Northumberland, with a 3km captive‑bird monitoring zone established. (gov.uk)

This season’s picture remains serious but manageable: since October 2025 the UK has confirmed 94 H5N1 cases (74 in England) plus one low‑pathogenic case, and under World Organisation for Animal Health rules the UK is not currently HPAI‑free. (gov.uk)

Risk is still elevated in wildlife. Officials assess H5 risk in wild birds as very high, while exposure risk for poultry is high with weak biosecurity and medium where robust measures are applied consistently. (gov.uk)

The avian influenza prevention zone remains in place across Great Britain, with mandatory housing in England and Wales. Keepers with 50 or more birds must house them, and small producers who sell eggs, meat or live birds must do the same. Check the disease‑zone map and movement‑licence rules before transporting birds or products. (gov.uk)

Vaccination policy has not changed: routine vaccination of poultry and most captive birds in England is not permitted; eligible zoos may vaccinate subject to Animal and Plant Health Agency authorisation. (gov.uk)

For wild birds, policy is shifting to targeted mitigation. Defra’s refreshed strategy, published on 27 January 2026, sets out how government, land managers and NGOs can reduce ecological impacts while protecting public health and rural livelihoods. (gov.uk)

Real‑time data tools make this tangible. APHA’s interactive map and dashboard show where wild bird mortality and positives are being recorded, with weekly reports to help councils and conservation teams plan signage, access and carcass collection safely. (gov.uk)

Spillover to mammals remains uncommon but monitored. APHA publishes confirmed findings in species such as otters and seals and maintains an interactive map; influenza of avian origin in mammals is notifiable and suspected cases must be reported without delay. (gov.uk)

For gardens, balconies and smallholdings, hygiene is the quickest win. The British Trust for Ornithology advises cleaning feeders and water baths regularly and pausing feeding if sick birds appear. Defra adds: avoid feeding near poultry premises, do not feed wild gamebirds within 500 metres of large holdings during an AIPZ, and never handle sick or dead birds-report them. (bto.org)

Public health and food safety remain stable. UKHSA states the risk to the general public is very low, and the Food Standards Agency confirms properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat when usual kitchen hygiene is followed. (gov.uk)