England has lifted two 10km surveillance zones around the second and third infected premises near York after control and cleansing were completed on 27 February 2026. Earlier this month, zones in Suffolk, Norfolk and Nottinghamshire were also stepped down, signalling progress while targeted controls continue where needed. (gov.uk)

For keepers in these areas the practical change is fewer local movement limits, but national rules still apply. Protection zones can fold into wider surveillance areas before they are fully revoked, and movements of birds, products or mammals may still require licences depending on location. Always confirm your status and the specific rules for your holding in the official control‑zone guidance before moving anything. (gov.uk)

Across the 2025 to 2026 season to date, officials have confirmed 94 highly pathogenic H5N1 cases in the UK, including 74 in England, with one low‑pathogenic case recorded. That is above last season’s tally so far, though still well below the peak year of 2022 to 2023. (gov.uk)

Risk in wildlife remains elevated. APHA assesses the chance of H5 in wild birds as very high, with exposure risk to poultry high where biosecurity is weak and medium where it is consistently strong. UKHSA continues to judge the risk to the general public as very low. (gov.uk)

Mandatory housing under the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone remains in force across England, introduced on 6 November 2025. Keepers with 50 or more birds must house them; smaller non‑commercial keepers do not have to, but those who sell eggs, live birds or poultry products must house their flocks. Welfare‑based exemptions exist for some ducks, geese and ratites under strict conditions. (gov.uk)

Day‑to‑day biosecurity still does the heavy lifting. Separate ducks and geese from other species, shield feed and water from wild birds, clean and disinfect housing, equipment and footwear, and keep movement and mortality records. Larger sites should plan people and vehicle flows so clean areas stay clean. (gov.uk)

Beyond farms, Defra’s mitigation strategy for wild birds sets out proportionate steps for land managers, councils and conservation groups, from targeted carcase collection to clear on‑site information, supported by ongoing surveillance. APHA’s weekly wild‑bird dataset and interactive dashboards show where positives are being found to help prioritise local action. (gov.uk)

If you feed birds at home, simple hygiene helps both birds and people. The British Trust for Ornithology advises cleaning feeders and baths weekly, rotating feeding spots, sweeping up waste seed and pausing feeding for two weeks if you see sick or dead birds before restarting with close monitoring. (bto.org)

Spill‑over into mammals remains uncommon but is treated seriously. APHA’s latest update includes an H5N1‑positive otter in Northumberland on 19 February 2026, and a single domestic sheep tested positive in Yorkshire in March 2025 under routine surveillance. Influenza of avian origin in mammals is notifiable across Great Britain and must be reported immediately by veterinarians, laboratories and wildlife professionals. (gov.uk)

Food safety guidance is unchanged. The Food Standards Agency says avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk; properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat when normal kitchen hygiene and thorough cooking are followed. (food.gov.uk)

Bird gatherings can take place outside disease control zones, but only under the relevant general or specific licences and with strict conditions; events remain restricted inside protection or surveillance zones. Check licence terms before planning shows, markets or races. (gov.uk)

For practical support, Defra’s ‘Stop the spread’ webinars walk through on‑farm controls, while APHA’s wild‑bird reports and maps are updated frequently to help time measures with local activity. Reporting dead wild birds through the official service triggers testing and targeted clean‑ups. (gov.uk)