Defra has confirmed further H5N1 activity across the UK in the run‑up to Christmas. A large commercial flock near Brockworth, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire tested positive on 18 December 2025, with 3km protection and 10km surveillance zones in place and humane culling at the premises. On the same day, Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer confirmed H5N1 in a large flock near Penicuik in the Scottish Borders, with equivalent control zones established.

There has been movement in control zones elsewhere. A case was confirmed near Welton, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire on 14 December, and a third affected premises near Newington, Swale, Kent on 13 December. Several earlier zones have stood down after successful controls: around Feltwell, Norfolk the protection zone merged into the wider surveillance zone on 19 December, while surveillance zones were revoked around Uckfield, East Sussex on 17 December and around Brandon and Honington in West Suffolk on 16 December.

The season snapshot shows the scale and pace of this outbreak. Since 1 October 2025, the UK has recorded 70 confirmed HPAI H5N1 cases: 57 in England, 7 in Wales, 4 in Northern Ireland and 2 in Scotland. Under World Organisation for Animal Health rules the UK is not currently classed as HPAI‑free. For context, previous seasons recorded 81 cases in 2024–25, 6 in 2023–24, 207 in 2022–23 and 158 in 2021–22, according to official reporting by the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Housing rules remain in force under the avian influenza prevention zone. In England mandatory housing has applied since 6 November; Wales introduced housing on 13 November. Keepers with 50 or more birds must house them. Small keepers do not have to house birds if produce is for personal use only, but once eggs, meat or live birds are sold or given away, those birds are classed as poultry and must be housed. All keepers, regardless of size, must apply strict biosecurity at all times.

Risk assessments published by government scientists remain frank and pragmatic. The likelihood of H5 in wild birds is very high. For poultry, risk is very high where biosecurity is sub‑optimal and medium-though with high uncertainty-where stringent measures are consistently applied. In practice that means controlled entry points, clean clothing and boots, well‑maintained footbaths, secure housing, disinfection of vehicles and kit, and keeping waterfowl separate from other birds.

For land managers, councils and conservation teams, Defra’s mitigation strategy for wild birds provides a practical playbook to reduce impacts while protecting public health, habitats and local economies. Site posters can be downloaded for seasonal signage. Members of the public should report dead wild birds through the government service and avoid handling carcasses or injured birds.

Up‑to‑date mapping and data are available to support day‑to‑day decisions. The government disease zone map shows current protection and surveillance zones. APHA’s weekly reports summarise wild bird findings, alongside interactive dashboards tracking reported wild bird mortality and confirmed detections in both birds and mammals. These resources help plan access, schedule habitat work and adjust shooting or ringing activities responsibly.

Feeding garden birds remains valuable for winter survival, but hygiene is non‑negotiable. The British Trust for Ornithology advises cleaning feeders and water baths regularly with warm soapy water, rinsing and drying before refilling, and rotating feeder locations to avoid faecal build‑up. Within an AIPZ you must not feed wild gamebirds within 500 metres of any premises holding more than 500 captive birds, and feeding should be kept away from any poultry premises or backyard flocks.

Avian influenza viruses can infect mammals. Findings in wild and captive mammals are monitored and mapped, and influenza of avian origin in mammals is notifiable. Vets and laboratories must report suspected presence-or any detection of influenza A virus or antibodies-in wild or kept mammals immediately. In England call 03000 200 301; in Wales call 03003 038 268; in Scotland contact the local APHA Field Services Office.

Public health and food safety advice remains reassuring. The UK Health Security Agency states the risk to the general public is very low, and the Food Standards Agency confirms that properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat. For keepers, the immediate checklist is clear: confirm your location on the disease zone map, follow movement licensing rules for poultry, eggs and by‑products, house birds where required, and enrol on the government ‘Stop the Spread’ webinars to pressure‑test winter biosecurity. This is about disciplined routines, not drastic new equipment-and it works when done every day.