Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have confirmed new highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 cases in England, including a large commercial unit near Thorne, Doncaster on 16 November, following recent detections in Norfolk, Devon and Cumbria. Wales has also confirmed a backyard case near Pontyberem. Standard 3km protection and 10km surveillance zones are in place around affected premises, and humane culling is under way to contain spread.

Great Britain remains in an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), with mandatory housing measures in England from 6 November 2025. If you keep more than 50 birds you must house them. If you keep fewer than 50 birds solely for your own use, housing is not required, but if you sell or give away eggs, meat or live birds, those birds are classed as poultry and must be housed.

Recent confirmations span both commercial and small-scale keepers: from large flocks in Doncaster, South Norfolk and East Suffolk to small backyard and ornamental collections in Norfolk, Devon and Cumbria. Where small captive flocks are involved, Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zones of 3km are declared.

For situational awareness, the 2025 to 2026 outbreak season has recorded 45 confirmed HPAI H5N1 cases across the UK so far: 35 in England, 6 in Wales, 3 in Northern Ireland and 1 in Scotland. England reported its first case on 11 October, Wales on 25 October, Northern Ireland on 9 October and Scotland on 12 November. Under World Organisation for Animal Health rules, the UK is not currently free from HPAI.

APHA's risk assessment places the risk of H5 in wild birds in Great Britain at very high. For kept birds, the risk of exposure is very high where biosecurity is poor or inconsistent, and medium, with higher uncertainty, where stringent biosecurity is maintained at all times. In practice, simple, repeatable routines make the difference.

UK Health Security Agency advises that bird flu remains primarily a disease of birds and that the risk to the general public's health is very low. The Food Standards Agency states that properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat. Good kitchen hygiene and thorough cooking remain sound practice.

If you keep birds, start with the basics today. Check the Defra disease control zone map to confirm whether you are in a protection, surveillance or captive bird monitoring zone and follow the rules that apply. If you need to move poultry, eggs, by-products or mammals, check whether a movement licence is required, and keep feed and water covered to prevent contact with wild birds.

Land managers and local authorities can use Defra's mitigation strategy for wild birds to plan site-level responses. The government's interactive wild bird mortality map and weekly reports help target signage, access management and carcass reporting. Downloadable posters are available to brief staff and visitors when risk is elevated or cases are active.

In gardens, you can keep feeding wild birds, but clean feeders and water baths regularly following British Trust for Ornithology advice, and wash hands with soap and water afterwards. In an AIPZ, do not feed wild gamebirds within 500 metres of premises that keep more than 500 poultry or captive birds. Never touch or move sick or dead wild birds; report them through official channels.

Gatherings are controlled to limit spread. Outside disease control zones in England you may apply for a specific licence for poultry gatherings or operate under the general licence for other captive birds, but gatherings of most poultry are not permitted in parts of the AIPZ where housing is mandatory. Check conditions before planning shows, sales or fairs.

Vaccination policy remains unchanged. Poultry and most captive birds cannot be vaccinated against bird flu in England. Zoos may apply for authorisation to vaccinate eligible birds, subject to criteria and oversight by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. Defra continues to fund research and monitor vaccine developments via the avian influenza vaccination taskforce.

Avian influenza of avian origin in mammals is notifiable in both wild and kept mammals. Vets and laboratories must report suspected infection or any detection of influenza A virus or antibodies immediately by calling 03000 200 301 in England, 03003 038 268 in Wales, or the local Field Services Office in Scotland. Failing to report is an offence.

Recent seasons show how volatile H5N1 can be. The UK confirmed 81 HPAI cases in 2024 to 2025, 6 in 2023 to 2024, 207 in 2022 to 2023 and 158 in 2021 to 2022, with limited low-pathogenic detections. Seasons are recorded from October to September, and patterns shift with migration, weather and biosecurity standards.

For new and small-scale keepers, the government's 'Stop the Spread' webinars remain a useful primer on housing, hygiene and contingency planning for pet, backyard and commercial flocks. Staying informed, tightening routines and acting early are the most reliable tools to protect birds and reduce pressure on wild populations.