Britain’s H5N1 outbreak remains active and closely managed. On 13 January, a second large commercial case was confirmed near York, while restrictions were lifted around Hallow in Worcestershire and Dawlish in Devon following surveillance and clean‑down. The government’s avian influenza prevention zone remains in place across Great Britain, and officials still rate risk to wild birds as very high. ([gov.uk](Link

For keepers, the rules remain straightforward. In England and Wales, housing measures apply under the AIPZ: flocks of 50 or more birds must be housed, and small keepers who sell or give away eggs, birds or products must also house; the exemption applies only to genuinely private, non‑commercial birds. Good biosecurity is mandatory in all cases. ([gov.uk](Link

Risk is shaped by hygiene. APHA assesses exposure for poultry as high where biosecurity is weak and medium where it is consistently strong. UKHSA continues to advise that the overall risk to the public is very low, while the Food Standards Agency says properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat. ([gov.uk](Link

This is also a biodiversity story. Defra’s mitigation strategy for wild birds sets out how land managers, councils and NGOs can reduce impacts on colonies and wintering flocks while protecting public health. Live dashboards and weekly reports show where wild‑bird mortality is occurring, giving teams the evidence to plan diversions, temporary closures and targeted signage rather than blanket restrictions. ([gov.uk](Link

On the ground, simple preparation helps. Site managers can pre‑print advisory posters, brief staff and volunteers on PPE, and agree a safe carcass‑collection protocol with local authorities. Reporting thresholds for dead wild birds are set nationally; using the GOV.UK reporting route feeds surveillance and speeds clean‑ups. ([gov.uk](Link

In gardens, you can keep feeding birds and cut disease risks at the same time: clean feeders and baths weekly, rotate feeding spots, and wash hands after handling kit. The British Trust for Ornithology also recommends pausing feeding if you see multiple sick or dead birds, resuming only when the area is clear. Do not touch sick or dead birds; report via GOV.UK. ([bto.org](Link

Rules on gamebirds and events matter for wildlife as well as farms. In an AIPZ you cannot feed wild gamebirds within 500 metres of premises that keep more than 500 birds. Bird gatherings are only allowed under licence: psittacines, raptors and racing pigeons under a general licence; other gatherings require specific approval. ([gov.uk](Link

The scale of the season shows the pressure on ecosystems. By 15 January 2026, officials had logged 86 confirmed H5N1 cases across the UK this season: 69 in England, 6 in Scotland, 7 in Wales and 4 in Northern Ireland. Those numbers sit alongside ongoing findings in wild birds recorded in the public dashboards. ([gov.uk](Link

Vaccination policy remains cautious. Routine vaccination of poultry and most captive birds is not permitted in England; licensed zoos can apply for authorisation for eligible species. Defra and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate are tracking vaccine development, supported by a dedicated taskforce. ([gov.uk](Link

Mammal infections linked to avian influenza are monitored and notifiable. If you examine or test a wild or kept mammal and suspect influenza of avian origin-or detect influenza A virus or antibodies-you must report it immediately using the published contacts. APHA also provides mapping and reporting for non‑avian wildlife. ([gov.uk](Link

The next two weeks are about smart, local action: check Defra’s wild‑bird dashboards before setting rosters, line up weekend wardens for busy tide windows, refresh contractor briefings on disinfecting footwear and gear, and keep communications clear for visitors. Small, steady measures protect both livelihoods and wildlife in a season where wild‑bird risk is rated ‘very high’. ([gov.uk](Link