As of 15 November 2025, the UK has confirmed further H5N1 bird flu cases, including ornamental captive birds near Dawlish, Devon. Great Britain remains under an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) and England has mandatory housing rules in place. UKHSA continues to assess the risk to the public as very low, and the Food Standards Agency says properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat.

This week’s caseload shows the virus affecting both commercial and small flocks. Confirmations include large poultry units near Woodbridge, Suffolk, and Poringland, Norfolk; a premises near Hallow, Worcestershire; backyard or ornamental flocks near Gosforth, Cumbria, and Dawlish, Devon; and cases in Wales near Welshpool and Pontyberem, plus a major commercial site near Lanark, Scotland. Protection and surveillance zones have been declared around these sites, with all affected birds to be humanely culled. Part of the Welshpool surveillance zone extends into England.

Since the 2025–26 season began, the UK has recorded 42 confirmed HPAI H5N1 outbreaks: 32 in England, 6 in Wales, 1 in Scotland and 3 in Northern Ireland. The first cases this season were confirmed on 9 October in Northern Ireland, 11 October in England, 25 October in Wales and 12 November in Scotland. Under World Organisation for Animal Health rules, the UK is no longer free from highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Housing rules now apply across England from 6 November 2025. Keepers with more than 50 birds must house them; smaller flocks kept solely for personal consumption do not need to be housed, but if you sell or give away eggs, poultry products or live birds, you must house them. These measures sit alongside the GB‑wide AIPZ requiring enhanced biosecurity for all keepers.

Disease control zones remain crucial. Around infected poultry premises, authorities apply a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone; for non‑commercial or ornamental flocks, a 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone can be declared. Movement of birds, products and equipment may require licensing, and keepers in these zones must follow specific restrictions set by Defra and APHA.

If you keep birds, tighten biosecurity now. Keep food and bedding under cover, fence or net outdoor areas, and eliminate access to standing water. Clean and disinfect hard surfaces, kit and vehicles with Defra‑approved disinfectants; maintain foot dips at shed doors; wear dedicated clothing and footwear; limit visitors; and keep records of movements and egg production. Speak to your vet about site‑specific risks.

Feeding garden birds is still fine with good hygiene. The British Trust for Ornithology advises weekly cleaning of feeders with soapy water, providing fresh drinking water daily, rotating feeding sites and clearing spilled seed to reduce disease spread between wild birds. In AIPZ areas, do not feed wild gamebirds within 500m of premises with more than 500 captive birds.

If you spot dead wild birds, do not touch them. Report through the government service or call 03459 33 55 77 in Great Britain so carcasses can be assessed for avian influenza. You can also check the interactive wild bird mortality map and weekly reports to understand local activity. Wash hands thoroughly after any contact with wild bird faeces or feathers.

Planning shows or sales? Bird gatherings are not permitted for most poultry where English housing rules apply within the AIPZ. Elsewhere in England, gatherings of poultry require a specific licence and gatherings of other captive birds must follow a general licence-provided the event is outside any active disease control zone.

Vaccination remains restricted. Poultry and most captive birds in England cannot be vaccinated against avian influenza; zoo birds may be vaccinated if eligibility criteria are met and APHA authorises it. Defra and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate continue to track developments in candidate vaccines.

Avian influenza can spill into mammals, and any influenza of avian origin in mammals is notifiable. Vets and laboratories must report suspected or detected infections immediately-call 03000 200 301 in England, 03003 038 268 in Wales, or your local APHA Field Services Office in Scotland. Failure to report is illegal.

Risk remains elevated in wildlife. APHA assesses the risk of H5 in wild birds as very high across Great Britain. Exposure risk to poultry is very high where biosecurity is poor and medium where robust measures are applied consistently. For the weeks ahead, build biosecurity checks into your weekly routine and review signage, footbaths and visitor controls.